Christmas is in less than a month. I am really looking forward to it and have already started thinking about what I am going to cook. Have you also thought about the Christmas menu? Maybe I can help you a bit, today I share five tips for a stress-free Christmas. Personally, I never experience stress during Christmas or at all while cooking.

On the contrary, I really enjoy it, and as a child, I already cooked Christmas dinner (by helping out in the kitchen to mix things up). But I know this is different for some people (hello mom). But that is not necessary at all, and I tell you how you can get through the Christmas holidays in a relaxed way.

1. Proper planning is half the battle

Think in advance of a menu that is feasible for you. A perfectly cooked piece of meat is delicious, but if that gives you too much hard work, you just shouldn't start here. You can make it as comprehensive or simple as you want. Make a nice mix between cold and hot dishes and also take into account space in your oven. Meals that you can prepare, such as a soup or an ice cream cake are also recommended because then you won't have to worry about that anymore.

2. Do your shopping on time 

You do not want to be in the supermarket the day before Christmas. Tones of stressed people with overcrowded carts and a half-sold-out shelf. I wouldn't be very relaxed about that either. So order your groceries online if possible, or get things that are long-lasting in your home earlier. You can often order fresh fish, meat or bread from the fishmonger, butcher or baker and you only have to pick it up. Lovely if you can spend the day before Christmas at your leisure or doing a home spa treatment.

3. I am me, so I think I can do it

Do not make things that you have never done before. Unless you can cook very well and almost nothing ever fails. I like to challenge myself, but especially if I can cook at my ease and in peace. If a table full of hungry guests is watching you, it is not helpful if you make something completely new. You need a little bit of concentration for that.

4. Outsource it

If you don't feel like stress or don't have much time to prepare the Christmas dishes (due to all kinds of family visits or any other reasons), then I recommend you to try and find an outsourcing method. Either some boxes half-cooked with a clear menu or family and friends coming over must bring a dish each. And then the only thing you need to do is to make sure the atmosphere is Christmassy enough and be ready with some ice-cream for dessert. Can't go wrong. This can't be a failure at all, just an easy way out for you. 

5. Don't worry too much

Christmas is all about enjoying the time together with your friends and family in a cozy and warm ambiance. If something fails, it is not bad at all. A stress-free Christmas is so cozy because nobody gets happy from a stressed cook. So pour yourself a nice glass, put a snack on the table, and get going. Then the rest will come naturally. And especially ask for help if you can't get it out. 

Do you have any tips for a stress-free Christmas?