by Dawn Meisch

Menu planning during the holidays can seem like a daunting task when your to-do list is getting longer every day. However, it can be enjoyable if you approach it the right way. Planning ahead of time will help you decide what you can make in advance and store for later. Enlisting the help of your family can take some of the burden off of you and create a fun holiday project for everyone. Have some hot cocoa or cider along with some favorite snacks, grab your pencils and paper, and get to work.

Make a Holiday Favorites List

Ask each family member to write a list of their favorite holiday dishes. Think of past dishes they have enjoyed eating or making. Decide on what special ones to make together. Don't forget to include easy to make snacks in your planning as well. This way you will be able to concentrate on cooking the larger part of the meal and won't have to do it while you are hungry. Healthy snacks like nuts or hummus with vegetables are a good way to keep the family from filling up on unhealthy foods before dinner is ready.

Create New Traditions

You may want to come up with ideas for something new to try together. Look for a traditional holiday dish from another country that sounds interesting to you. Research what people do in another country you'd like to visit one day and add that to your celebrations at home. It's a fun way to learn and try new things as a family together.

Find Meal Ideas

Holiday magazines or websites also have plenty of ideas you can use to incorporate some new recipes to try. You may find a new holiday favorite or a new way to serve an old standby. Grocery special flyers are also a great help for meal planning if you can make something with whatever they have on sale that week.

Make Your Grocery List

At the same time you are creating your meal plan, also make your grocery list. If you are unsure of what ingredients you have and your children are old enough, make a game of it. Have them go into the kitchen to check for ingredients. Also keep in mind staples that the meals call for and check if you are out of those as well. One visit to the grocery store will also save you time, so make sure your list is complete so you can spend time doing the things you want instead of waiting in long holiday lines at the store.

Set the Table

Keep in mind that presentation is just as important as taste is for holiday meals. Special dishes are a great way to keep family celebrations special. A good place to find what you need for your holiday meals is Noritake. The children can also help with this step. Make a couple of choices, then let family members vote to choose the one to use for your holiday meals.

Preserve the Memories

Take some photos of your family as you are cooking your meal and make a scrapbook out of it. Do this every year and create a great family keepsake. Also save your menu plan and use it next year or look through it later to see how your tastes have changed.

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