Ah, Christmas! The twinkling lights, the warm cocoa, and the joyous carols can make even the grumpiest Scrooge crack a smile. But let’s be real: when it comes to holiday cooking, some tasks can feel more like a chore than a festive delight. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering why you signed up for the whole “host the perfect holiday dinner” gig, you’re not alone. Here are seven Christmas cooking tasks that everyone secretly wishes they could skip. Spoiler alert: you might find a few of your own pet peeves on this list!
1. Peeling Potatoes
Ah, the humble potato. A holiday staple that transforms into fluffy mashed goodness with just a bit of love. But let’s talk about peeling those bad boys. It’s a task that seems simple enough, yet it feels like a mini-marathon. You’ve got your peeler in one hand, and somehow, you still end up with potato peels everywhere. Plus, who really enjoys the smell of raw potatoes lingering on their fingers? If only we could just wave a magic wand and have them pre-peeled!
2. Baking Cookies from Scratch
Don’t get me wrong—I love the smell of freshly baked cookies as much as the next person. But when you’re juggling family visits, last-minute shopping, and trying to keep your sanity intact, the thought of rolling out dough can feel overwhelming. And let’s not even talk about the inevitable flour explosion in your kitchen. The solution? Embrace the miracle of pre-made cookie dough. Your future self will thank you!
3. Brining the Turkey
If you’re hosting a big holiday feast, the turkey is often the star of the show. But brining it? That’s a whole other story. Between finding the right container, mixing up a magical potion of spices and salt, and then waiting for hours (or overnight), it can feel like more trouble than it’s worth. Plus, there’s always that nagging worry: Did I brine it long enough? Too long? Skip the stress and just roast it with some herbs and butter—you’ll still have a delicious bird without the brining drama!
4. Making Gravy
Gravy is like the cozy blanket that wraps around your holiday meal. But making it from scratch? That’s a different ball game. You’ve got to save the drippings, whisk like a pro, and pray it doesn’t turn into a lumpy disaster. If you’re not careful, it can quickly become the most anxiety-inducing part of your cooking. Pro tip: Store-bought gravy is a perfectly acceptable shortcut. No one’s judging you here—especially not Aunt Linda when she’s got her mouth full!
5. Decorating the Gingerbread House
Ah, the classic gingerbread house. It’s a holiday tradition that sounds fun in theory, but in practice? It’s less “Whimsical Winter Wonderland” and more “Why Is the Roof Collapsing?” Between the royal icing that never quite sticks and the candy that seems to disappear faster than you can say “Christmas cheer,” decorating can turn into a battle. Instead of stressing over the details, why not just buy a pre-assembled kit? Your kids (and your sanity) will be much better off!
6. Preparing the Side Dishes
Mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, roasted carrots—the list goes on. Side dishes are essential for a well-rounded holiday meal, but they can pile up like a mountain of laundry. When you’ve got a turkey in the oven and a dozen guests arriving, the last thing you want to do is fuss over sautéing vegetables. Consider asking a friend or family member to bring a dish. After all, sharing is caring, and it’ll lighten your load while adding a little variety to the table!
7. Cleaning as You Go
We all know the golden rule of cooking: clean as you go. But let’s be honest—who actually enjoys stopping mid-recipe to wash a pot or wipe down the counter? It’s like trying to enjoy a good movie while someone keeps pausing it for no reason. Instead of being a kitchen clean-freak, embrace the post-cooking chaos. You can tackle the dishes later, perhaps while sipping on that well-deserved holiday cocktail!
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