Very Merry Christmas, or Three

There's a first for everything, and this year (due to work schedules and the craziness that is life), the Cox family is having three Christmases. Yes, three. Now, as a reference point, we always have two: normally Christmas Eve night we snack on such goodies as party mix, appetizer, dips, and various candies that we make, and Christmas Day brunch with all the fixins from monkey bread and cinnamon rolls to egg casserole and apple cider. 

This year, we're having brunch and snacks on the 23rd and 24th respectively and then a "formal" Christmas dinner on the 25th.

As the designated cook/baker of my generation (Emily once informed me that whenever I get around to buying a house it better have a double oven because holidays will be cooked by me), I'm throwing together an assortment of menu items for the occasion. Here's a sneak peak into the festive foods:

We'll still have our favorites like homemade party mix and crock-pot meatballs (those at the Christmas soiree can attest to their taste), among other dips and desserts.

The big deal is the new big, fancy dinner which if I get my way will include the following items:

 {rolls from here or Sister Schubert rolls}

 {sweet potato casserole: 

still debating which topping as I'm a fan of both}

{ turkey, dressing and honey baked ham}

 {green bean casserole, among other casseroles}

 {last, but not least, some of the famous Christmas cookies we make every year like clockwork}

I'm even considering throwing punch into the mix:

 Ho Ho Ho Punch:

1 bottle champagne 

1 bottle ginger ale, chilled 

2 (10 ounce) packages frozen strawberries, partially thawed Directions: In a large punch bowl, combine champagne, ginger ale and strawberries. Gently stir and serve.