Every family has holiday traditions they look forward to each year. In my family, we have certain ones that I eagerly anticipate at Christmas time. One of my favorite Christmas and New Year’s traditions actually takes place on the eve of both of these holidays, rather than the day itself.
Every Christmas and New Year’s Eve, my mom prepares a slew of holiday hor d’oeuvres instead of cooking a big meal. Assorted meats and cheeses, spinach artichoke dip, wings, mini quiches, olive tapenade, and pigs in a blanket are just a few of the many dishes that she serves. While some of these foods are homemade, others are store-bought, but they’re all delicious, and there’s always more than enough food.
I don’t remember exactly when my mom started this tradition; we’ve been doing it for as long as I can remember. She likely started it to ease some of the holiday cooking stress on Christmas and New Year’s Day by preparing a “simpler” meal the night before.
Some of my favorite hor d’oeuvres include her pizza and spinach artichoke dips, mini quiches, olive tapenade, stuffed mushrooms, pigs in a blanket, bacon-wrapped scallops, and of course, an assortment of Christmas cookies (the same ones she’s been making for decades).
Traditionally, my family stands around the kitchen island, grazing on the various finger foods, swapping our favorite stories from over the years. Even if it’s not a fancy meal and we’re not sitting down at a decorated table, it’s a special occasion I look forward to every year.
Sometimes my mom will experiment with adding new dishes to the menu. One year, she made crab cakes, and those were a big hit. Another year, she made a delicious bruschetta with diced tomatoes drizzled in balsamic vinegar and olive oil. In recent years, my sisters and I will take turns trying a new appetizer like Buffalo chicken dip or a pull-apart cheese bread.
This year, I’m excited to try some of our readers’ favorite recipes like this Hot Bacon and Swiss Dip or these Spicy Cheese Twists.
Dining and Cooking