We do a more casual Christmas without one big sit down meal. Once the food is ready, people can just help themselves as they like.

Some years it’s just a bunch of appetizers. Over the years we’ve done stuff like mini pigs in a blanket, cheeses and meats, crackers, chips and dips, mozzarella sticks, mini quiches, chicken wings, stuffed jalapeños, mini meatballs in sauce, olives, etc. Some fruit and a veggie tray to lighten things up. If there is hot food, someone asks, “Hey, who wants some mozzarella sticks” and cooks up enough for everyone.

Some years it’s sub sandwiches. Good bread, lots of meats and cheeses and other toppings to choose from.

We might have one dessert such as cookies or pie or something, if the baker in the family feels like baking. But everyone always gets candy and chocolate in their stockings, so we don’t really need much more.