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You all loved the affordable Thanksgiving Menu so much that I turned it into a challenge for Christmas. Could I really feed 8, stay under $60 and keep it a traditional dinner? Yes, yes I can! This entire Christmas dinner came in at $55 and every single dish feels holiday worthy without the holiday price tag.
Tis the Season Not to Spend a Fortune
Let’s be honest, Christmas dinner can go from “a few ingredients” to “how did I spend this much” faster than kids ripping wrapping paper at 6 AM. I wanted this menu to taste like Christmas without requiring a second mortgage or a cart full of specialty items you will never use again.
How to Keep It Under $55
- Skip the “holiday add-ons.” Cinnamon star butter, imported cranberry chutney and the cute cheese shaped like a snowman are not required for joy.
- Buy the store brand. No one will taste the label. They will taste the butter.
- Stick to the list. If it isn’t written down, it isn’t coming home.
- Keep one main dish, not three. Ham wins for flavor, leftovers, and price.
- Use ingredients that multitask. Butter, broth, and spices stretch across dishes without extra spending.
- Don’t chase “specialty.” If you’ll never use it again after December 25, it does not get to come to the party.
Store-Bought Wins
You do not earn bonus Christmas points for hand-rolling dough at 5 AM. A few store-bought items keep the day calm, the oven free, and well, you can spend your hard earn money on a gift to yourself instead.
Grab the rolls, pick up cranberry sauce, snag an already-made dessert if you want, and move on with the other recipes! It still tastes like Christmas and you still get credit.
Classic Honey Glazed Ham
Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
1 Hour Dinner Rolls
Glazed Carrots
Christmas Ribbon Salad
Share Your Christmas Dinner Traditions
You know I love hearing what everyone else serves on the big day. Drop your Christmas dinner tradition in the comments and give me something new to try this year.
More Christmas Dinner Recipes
These are my go-to Christmas dishes, but I know every family has their own favorites that make the holiday feel complete. Add what your table loves, swap a side, and make it yours. Here are a few more options to mix and match.
Meal Planning with Leftovers
Christmas dinner almost always leaves leftovers, which is a gift in itself. Store everything in airtight containers in the fridge and enjoy easy meals for days.
