The holiday season is here, and with it comes the never-ending to-do list. Between holiday shopping, school events, family gatherings, and the usual daily chaos, dinnertime can feel like just one more stressor in an already packed day.
I get it—it’s a lot. But here’s the good news: dinner doesn’t have to be a source of overwhelm.
With a little planning, a few simple ideas, and a whole lot of grace, you can take the pressure off and make dinnertime something to look forward to—even during the busiest season of the year.
Let’s break it down.
1. Embrace the Beauty of Simple Meals
When time is tight, fancy meals with a million ingredients aren’t the answer. The magic of dinner isn’t in how gourmet it is—it’s in sitting down together, even if the meal is something simple like roasted chicken and veggies.
Sheet pan dinners, one-pot meals, or slow cooker recipes are my go-to when life gets hectic. They’re minimal effort but still feel hearty and home-cooked. Think of them as your secret weapon for staying sane in the kitchen.
Need inspiration? Try a slow cooker soup or tacos—set it and forget it, then gather your family around the table for some connection and calm.
Try our Slow Cooker Hawaiian Tacos – they’re easy, delicious, and ready when you are!
2. Plan Ahead to Save Your Sanity
There’s nothing worse than standing in front of the fridge at 5 p.m., trying to figure out what to make. A little bit of planning can go a long way in reducing that dinner stress.
Spend 10 minutes on Sunday jotting down what’s for dinner each night. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate—just knowing what’s on the menu will help you avoid that last-minute panic. And if the week goes off the rails, give yourself permission to rearrange the plan or even rely on leftovers.
For more advice on meal planning check out this Journal post.
3. Repurpose Holiday Leftovers
Leftovers are your best friend during the holidays. Transform that turkey, ham, or roasted veggies into a brand-new meal with minimal effort.
Here are a few easy ideas:
- Turkey Soup: A warm, cozy way to stretch that Thanksgiving bird.
- Roasted Veggie Pasta: Toss leftover veggies with pasta, olive oil, and parmesan.
- Ham and Cheese Sliders: Quick, kid-friendly, and great for lunches or dinner.
Getting creative with leftovers not only saves time but also reduces waste—a win-win.
4. Involve Your Family
If dinnertime feels like it’s all on you, it might be time to get the family involved. Even small contributions—like setting the table, mixing ingredients, or clearing the dishes—can make a big difference.
Not only does it lighten your load, but it also creates opportunities for connection. Plus, kids love feeling like they’re part of the process (and are more likely to eat the meal if they’ve had a hand in making it!).
5. Give Yourself Grace
This might be the most important tip of all: give yourself permission to let go of perfection. Not every meal has to be Pinterest-worthy or perfectly balanced. Sometimes, scrambled eggs and toast are exactly what your family needs.
What matters most is showing up, sharing the meal, and making space for connection. Remember, it’s about the people around the table, not the food on it.
You’ve Got This!
Dinnertime during the holidays doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. By keeping things simple, planning ahead, and leaning into the moments that matter, you can make mealtime less stressful and more enjoyable.
