We are hosting Christmas this year. This would be a first for us, since we’ve done it at my mother’s house most every year. Since she’s getting on in years, we opted to do it at my house. The ham and desserts we can get at Costco. I need some ideas on side dishes. Green beans and mashed potatoes are boring…and way too healthy. Help!
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When I started hosting Christmas (probably 20+years ago) I overhauled the menu to our tastes. After a few years of different menus, we’ve gone Italian - lasagna, meatballs, caprese, salad etc. When I’ve offered to change the menu up for the holiday, my (now grown) kids always ask me to stick to what I’ve been doing - they feel it is our family tradition.
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I was going to opt for a backyard barbecue with hamburgers and hotdogs…I am a man after all 
. My wife and daughter gave me “the look” after I brought up my scheme, and that idea died. But meatballs and Italian salad sound like a great idea!
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The bonus for me is that I make my lasagna and meatballs the day before so I can relax and enjoy Christmas day with the family.
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Ina Garten’s spinach gratin side dish is our new holiday favorite! You can pretend it is healthy… ‘cause spinach! 
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Brown butter sage gnocchi - Brown Butter Sage Sauce • Ciao Florentina
I recommend a sprinkle of truffle salt before plating.
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We are still sorting out Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving on alternate weekend🤣
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Got the word today. Making butternut squash soup and roasted veggies
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Men always love sweet potato casserole. Extra brown sugar and pecans
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Cloves are the key to the ham
Deep fried turkeys are always good but we do those for Thanksgiving.
Jalapeño corn bread, flavored Mac-N-Cheese, smoked corn on the cob, grilled green beans or roasted brussel sprouts as sides. Plus some basics like sweet potato casserole.
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We have baked macaroni and cheese for the same reason.
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And for those wondering how to ensure a visit from the EMTs this Christmas…
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I usually serve this gratin with ham. Everyone loves it and it’s dairy free (we have some family members who are lactose intolerant)
Another yummy option:
A really rich mac and cheese would work nicely.
I always had ham growing up, husband had lamb on occasion. We both had small families.
We have been having beef filet from Costco for the last few years with horseradish cream and baked potatoes. That has become somewhat of a tradition.
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Topped off with homemade fruitcakes soaked in rum. Old family recipe and tradition. I’m probably the last to make the effort. I took over when my grandmother stopped in her mid 90’s.
It is only one day of the year. Absolutely can’t eat like this regularly. One slice of a bacon bomb and I’m good until next year.
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I don’t know…that might give grandpa a heart attack. 
I alternate holidays with my sister. Thanksgiving gets the crowd as we have some cousins that come. I am hosting about 20 this year. Traditional turkey, stuffing, rolls, sweet potatoes. We have added mac and cheese as a side as the kids and the vegetarians love it.
We host Christmas Eve for a small group and do different fish courses, including lobster bisque. Not 7 in the Italian tradition, but 4 or 5. Usually a small group of friends along with our kids.
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My mom and I spend a day making these together each year. Mine may have a wee more rum than called for… 
(DH and I save a couple to enjoy during the summer.)
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Quinoa, apricots, and pistachios – you can make it ahead, and it’s deliciously different and also filling for the vegans in the crowd
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I have a REALLY good recipe for this. I’ll dig it out and post it.
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