This post is part of a series – “31 days to take the Stress out of Christmas”. You can read all the posts in the series here. And to make sure you don’t miss a post you can subscribe to have every post delivered to your inbox, or follow me on facebook.
Since we talked about hosting a stress-free Christmas party yesterday, I thought I would share some of our families favorite Christmas foods. You know those foods that Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas unless they are being served? Yep, these are the ones! Some of these would be foods I would serve at a party and some we enjoy on Christmas Eve/Christmas Day. But everyone of these will be prepared at least once this December and EVERY December. These are all tried and true recipes and most are very easy and quick to prepare too.
I would love to know some of your families favorites (and I bet at least one of these may be on your favorites too) – so make sure to share in the comments. I thought I was going to have to call this just a dessert post but then was able to find some of our favorite snack/appetizer recipes too so you don’t think we just eat desserts all Christmas!
Love this Party Cheese Ball – always a hit!
I served this Pineapple Cream Cheese cheeseball at our wedding and have made it several times a year after that. It has just a few ingredients and is super easy to make and really delicious!
I am not a cake person at all but this Chocolate Coca-Cola cake is not your normal chocolate cake. I was introduced to it by my husband’s family and love it! It is easy to make, super moist, has homemade fudgey icing, and has Coca-Cola in it! Definitely one of those “have to have for it to be Christmas” treats in our house.
We call this Puppy Chow or Chocolate Chex Mix in our house but I know people have several different names for it. Easy to make and definitely on the party snack list.
I love chocolate and peanut butter together and these peanut butter balls (or Buckeye’s) are another Christmas staple.
I think my husband would revolt if these sausage balls weren’t served during the holidays! We usually have them on Thanksgiving to munch on while we are waiting for the turkey to finish cooking and then have them again for Christmas Day and also for our Christmas party too. Definitely a family favorite! And they are great heated for a few seconds in the microwave for breakfast the next morning – like a sausage biscuit!
Pigs in a Blanket are another party favorite and Christmas favorite.
Homemade cinnamon rolls have become our Christmas morning tradition and Pioneer Woman’s recipe never disappoints.
And it just doesn’t feel like the Christmas shopping season for me without enjoying at least one Starbucks Peppermint Mocha! Yummy! I usually get my first one on Black Friday – can’t wait!
So what is your families favorite Christmas treats and party foods?
Laura says
I’m really enjoying your series! Do you have any ideas for quick lightweight gifts (food or non-food) that can be mailed? Much of our family lives out of state and I would love to send something homemade that travels well. Any ideas?
Christina says
oh I would definitely look back at the 10 minutes or less or $10 or less gift post https://thefrugalhomemaker.com/2014/11/03/closing-thoughts-on-31-days-to-take-the-stress-out-of-christmas/
Then browse Pinterest for Christmas gifts ideas. I would say something made out of fabric if you can sew or some crafts could be light. Food can be light too but I am not great at mailing food.
monica says
Do you have a link to the peanut butter balls?
Christina says
So sorry! It is included in the post now. But here it is – http://www.twotwentyone.net/2011/12/traditional-christmas-treat-peanut/
Don Bodenbach says
Christmas is quiet far from now, but I’ll try to remember this recipe and cook for my family. Thanks for sharing.
Kelly says
I make it a point to never forget desserts on our table every holiday. After all the stress from all the workload, it’s a must to have food as a stress reliever in our dining table. I also try to mixed it with different tea to make the special day more special. Sometimes, cranberry tea, lavender tea but most of the time I using ashwaganda tea . My friends find it weird but my family get used to it because it’s totally effective. I always get the best joke out of this tea in our gathering.