Christmas is always so hectic around here, that a few years ago we started with a new traditional Christmas dinner, which takes a whole lot less time in the kitchen. We go Italian.

The day before, my DIL and I make a big pan of lasagna, and also stuffed shells, so all that has to be done Christmas Day, is to pop them in the oven. Along with that we have garlic bread and a salad. There are munchies of cheese balls and various crackers, chips and dip, to eat beforehand if anyone can't wait for dinner. Pies and other baked goodies for dessert.

Doing this allows the whole family to spend more time together enjoying the day, rather than the cooks spending hours in the kitchen.