Preparation Timeline:

Up to 3 days before:
• Check pantry and refrigerator; shop for groceries.

1 day before:
• Blanch green beans for Nutty Green Beans; refrigerate.
• Make salad dressing; refrigerate.

On Christmas Eve day:
• Assemble Stuffed Beef Tenderloin.

2 hours before serving:
• Assemble Broccoli and Cauliflower Au Gratin.
• Wash and cut fruit and vegetables for Minty Orange Salad.

1 1/2 hours before serving:
• Roast Stuffed Beef Tenderloin.
• Make Favorite Mashed Potatoes.

30 minutes before serving:
• Assemble Minty Orange Salad.
• Finish Nutty Green Beans.

Tips to Ensure a Joyful Christmas:

• Plan your menus now.
• Shop ahead to take advantage of sales on pantry staples for holiday baking.
• Measure it now. If you know what you’re going to be baking during the holidays, measure the dry ingredients, place them in individual resealable bags, and label them.
• Chop it now. Do as much chopping as possible beforehand, even if it’s just the night before.
• Bake ahead and freeze it. Most baked goods can be frozen for up to one month.
• Enlist help. Let family and friends assist you. This might add a little time to the process, but it’s a great way to impart holiday traditions.
• And above all, remember the reason for the season.