Since Hanukkah, Yule, and so on have already passed, I figure there's no point in sharing ideas for them. I'm sorry. I "celebrated" Yule by doing some housework and turning on all my lights at sunset, then watching a horror movie. I have a post about all the various December holidays at http://cheapconnie.weebly.com/blog/december-holidays for those who are interested.
Again, this year is radically different than anything we've ever seen. And we should brace for at least another, realistically. Typically, the holiday season is a time for gathering together with all those you love. But large family dinners are just too dangerous now. Even small gatherings of people outside your home are strongly cautioned against. Here are the CDC recommendations (don't forget to check state and local restrictions). So, how do you scale back all those large dinners? Read on....
A LOT of the information out there on small-batch recipes focuses on meat. After all, a giant ham, goose, or turkey is usually the centerpiece. Most of the sites I've seen suggest things like steak or chicken instead. For Veg*ns, that's not very practical. My "December Holidays" blog mentioned above has ideas for buying or making "ham" or "goose". How about "Easy Holiday Seitan Vegan Ham for 4 People"? A Tofurky "Ham" isn't TOO big, so it might be perfect for 3-5 people. The Maple Glazed Tofu Ham would be especially good for 2-3.
My Thanksgiving post this year has a lot of ideas for smaller mains, sides, and desserts. I recommend you check it out. But I want to add just a few new links (don't I always? lol). Let's start with "20 Small-Batch Recipes for Your COVID-19 Holiday" (from pomegranate guacamole and sweet potato hummus to non-alcoholic eggnog, mushroom seitan roast to mini sweet corn casserole, and a small pumpkin cake to sugar plums, you'll find something delicious! There are a few meat mains [and a salmon appetizer], for those who're into that sort of thing). What else? Here are "Garlic Mashed Potatoes For Two", "Sweet Potato Casserole For Two" (which is topped with a crumble, though you could easily substitute gelatine-free [or regular if not Veg*n] mini marshmallows), "SMALL BATCH VEGETARIAN STUFFING", "EASY SMALL BATCH HOMEMADE MAC AND CHEESE RECIPE", "Green Bean Casserole for Two", and "Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole" for 2. Obviously, you may need to make some minor tweaks (like using non-dairy milk/cheese and plant butter if you're Vegan, vegetable broth in place of chicken broth, etc).
What better to wash down all this food with than some small batch punch? Here are a few ideas for "punch bases" (just add alcohol or sodapop and garnish).
And what would the holidays be without dessert? Here are "40+ Small-Batch Christmas Desserts", and some Christmas cookies for 2.
I'd like to add in a few recipes for those who will be making merry by yourself. You could just make a big meal and eat leftovers for days (or freeze them....I like to make TV dinners in the freezer-to-microwave divided plates with lids that I have). On my aforementioned Thanksgiving blog, I shared recipes for everything from mains to sides, desserts to beverages. Most of those (like green bean casserole and pumpkin pie) will easily work for Christmas. But here are a few things that are tailored for the holiday season: "Homemade Eggnog For One" (does not contain eggs, so no need to worry about salmonella), a variety of Christmas cookies for one, "Sugarplum Recipe" for one, and Wassail for one!
To keep yourself entertained, why not get a chuckle out of these "Top 10 COVID Christmas carols"? And then pop in your favourite holiday horror! Although there are a few I missed (or that have come out since), my "Holiday Horror Movies Throughout The Year" blog post is a good place to start.
Happy holidays, everyone. May 2021 bring good things to us all! Until next time....