5 Easy Christmas Eve Meal Ideas

By: Kathleen Milazzo

Break Studios Contributing Writer

These 5 easy Christmas Eve meal ideas are good to know because the night before Christmas can be a very busy time. Some people put up their tree and wrap presents that night. If you have children, it's even more hectic with putting toys and other gifts together. For others, it's a beautiful midnight mass followed by an early, special Christmas breakfast. Knowing five easy Christmas Eve meal ideas will help you put your mind at ease so you can concentrate on the more important holiday details. If you don't have a tradition for the night before Christmas try one of these five easy Christmas Eve meal ideas and you may find one that's perfect for you and your family. Most of these dishes can be bought at the grocery store or a fast food restaurant and brought home ready-to-eat. The last thing you want to have to do on that busy night is cook and clean up.

Serve a hearty pasta dish with some Italian bread and a simple green salad. Most grocery stores have frozen lasagna. All you have to do is pop it in the oven. A salad bar will supply a ready-made green salad.
Check out the deli section of your grocers. They usually have hot, ready-made meat for tacos and fajitas. Pick up some tortillas, cheese and sour cream and you've got your entree. Serve ready-made refried beans and some chips with salsa to complete the meal.
You can never go wrong with pizza. You can order in, buy one frozen or make one yourself with some pizza dough, pizza sauce, cheese and any other topping you like. Make it special by serving it with a good glass of wine and a simple green salad.
Buy some ready-made roast beef, heat it up and serve in a hearty bread. Add some cheese, green pepper and marinara sauce and serve with chips or french fries.
Fried chicken can be bought just about anywhere depending on your tastes. You can also pick up some ready-made mashed potatoes with gravy, potato salad, corn on the cob and rolls.