Growing up, we always had the traditional Thanksgiving meal on Christmas Eve night. You know…turkey, dressing, sides and such. I personally never loved this tradition because I felt like my family and I had just been together consuming this exact meal only a few weeks before…not nearly as exciting the second time around.
Then, I married Andrew…and I learned that their side of the family does a big appetizer party on Christmas Eve and that my friends, is a tradition I can totally get behind! (And by the way, once I came home and told my mom how much fun an appetizer party can be on Christmas Eve, my side of the family decided to adopt the tradition too…and now we eat appetizers.)
So, on Christmas Eve, invite your friends and family over…maybe you suggest they bring an appetizer or dip with them…listen to carols, look at the twinkle lights, watch for Santa on the radar and enjoy little bites. It’s the best way to spend my very favorite day of the year!
No Christmas is complete in my family without a cheese ball…so my Cranberry and Pecan Cheese Ball is the perfect little dip for our big night.
I love this Spicy Spinach Dip because it’s prepared in the slow cooker, it’s served warm and it has a little kick to it. So good!
Yummmm…Ham and Cheese Biscuit Sliders will be the first thing to go at the party. I promise.
My friend Sarah makes these Pinwheels that will rock your world. Whenever she invites us over, someone always group texts and asks if she’s making pinwheels…and sweet Sarah always does.
Every single Christmas Eve, Andrew’s family has Pizza Boats. Every. Single. Year.
Several years ago, Erika shared this recipe for Southwestern Egg Rolls with me and they are insanely good (and pretty simple too!). People always eat them up at parties.
To see all of my yummy appetizer recipes, click here.
If you’re needing something fun to drink this Christmas Eve, you should try my Cranberry Lime Cocktail…
Or try my Peppermint Punch…
And to see my Easy Christmas Desserts, click here.
Only 6 more days until Christmas!
Narci says
What a fabulous idea!! And, that spinach Dip is SOOO good! Genius!
Jennifer says
Just this year I decided that our Christmas Eve will switch from a traditional dinner to appetizers only! I have 25 family members over every Christmac Eve and the traditional sit down dinner has run its course. So, your post today is perfect – thank you!
Meagan Ruse says
What a super idea! I'm bringing this idea up with my fam!
Queen In Between says
We have always had appetizers as well but always, always included tamales for as long as my little mind can remember! In recent years we have added a pot of chili so frito pies are always available. So much better than slaving over a fancy meal! Merry Christmas!
Leslie Roberts Clingan says
My mouth is watering over here. Pinned all of your fabulous recipes. Truly want to try them on Christmas Eve.
Your Christmas pictures are just crazy good! How can four such handsome folks all be in one family?? Can't wait to meet your new little one in January.
Merry Christmas!
Carrie says
We always do appetizers on NYE! That pinwheel/rollup recipe looks delish, I am so pinning it!
Anonymous says
This comment is actually for your most recent post on the white chocolate bars, it wouldn't let me post on it? Well, I made them today (Sunday) and they turned out amazing!!! If I have them covered in the 9×13 pan in the fridge, should they still be good to save for Christmas? Or do you recommend they be eaten within a day or 2?
Mix and Match Mama says
I probably wouldn't keep bars in the fridge longer than 3 days. They should be consumed before the 3 day mark. Enjoy!
Kelly Bryant says
Thank you so much for this idea! I did this this Christmas and it turned out great. We were able to graze all day.
Anonymous says
I made the cheese ball, southwestern egg rolls, pizza muffins and cranberry lime cocktail tonight for my family and everyone raved about how wonderful it was! They especially liked the cranberry cocktail–so delicious and festive too. Thank you so much for these awesome recipes!