Deck the Halls....and yummy treats to go with it!

Do you decorate for Christmas? Is it a family affair or do you just set up the tree and decorate it while the kids are at school? Maybe your family makes the annual trek to the local tree farm or forest to cut down the perfect tree. Perhaps you have an artificial tree that needs to be lugged down from the attic?

No matter what kind of tree you get, or how you decorate, tradition seems to be everywhere this time of year. Each family has their own special tradition for some part of the holiday season. Maybe you are finding yourself in need of a few new traditions this year due to changes within your household. Things are tough for many of us this year, it may feel as though this year is more of a challenge than last year or any other year you can remember.

For my family, we have entered a new phase of life. Until now, all of our kids have lived under our roof and we have had traditions that always included our kids. Decorating the house was one of them. It was never a really huge affair, but we all got in on the decorating of the family tree.

This mom was not ready to give up on that tradition just because we have one of our kids living on his own now, but knew that in time, the kids won't want to come help decorate our tree as a family. They will have their own families and homes to have traditions of their own in. For me, the thought of that is bitter sweet. I welcome that phase of life, but it is so hard to see this phase start to change.

OK, so what does all of this have to do with living a gluten-free lifestyle? In some regards, not a thing! One thing I have found though, is that food seems to enter into most holiday traditions. From Thanksgiving to leaving cookies out for Santa, gluten lurks everywhere.

Delicious food always plays a huge part in any family gathering. Not that we would not have fun without it, but lets face it, food plays a huge role! Am I right? Everyone wants memorably delicious food to serve at every occasion. Even if you are just decorating a tree or cutting down a tree, one of the fond memories of that tradition is the hot cocoa. Right?

This year, I decided to do things a bit differently. The kids have always had their part in decorating our tree, but it has usually been an hour of putting ornaments on the tree after a long day and then we all head to bed. No celebration, just a few pictures taken and the tree was done.

We have fond memories of decorating, sure. However, in light of all of the stresses, changes, and challenges this year has brought to us as a family, making this traditional activity more memorable for all of us seems important somehow. Giving all of us a chance to stop and appreciate the season, our family and all the blessings we have in the midst of it all.

Wanting this celebration to last longer than an hour, food will of course play a large part in the evenings festivities. As always, gluten-free foods will take center stage. Lets face it, my family loves food and I love to cook it for them. It would not be a party without good food!

Keeping things simple is key when you are planning a family event like this. Appetizers are so easy to throw together for a fun night or afternoon of decorating the tree. Everyone can be decorating, munching on some tasty treats and watching a movie or just enjoying the time together. Plus, you will not be stuck in the kitchen and have to miss any of the festivities and memories happening in the next room.

For our family decorating party I am sticking with just a few easy dishes that can easily be made up either the day before or the day of. All I will have to do is heat up the hot dishes and set out the cold ones. How easy is that?

Here are a few ideas for some tasty treats to have on hand for when your family decorates the tree or if you are just spending a family night watching your favorite holiday program or movie.

Savory bites:

• Party Nachos
• Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
• Hot Artichoke Dip
• Smoky Sesame Cheese Log
• Goat Cheese Log
• Bread Sticks
• Cranberry Glazed Meatballs
• Whiskey Kielbasa
• Asian Meatballs
• Tex Mex Dip

Sweet bites:

• Christmas Truffles
• Maple Pumpkin Coconut Custard
• Individual Pumpkin Puddings
• Holiday Pumpkin Dip with yummy gingersnap cookies
• Cake Brownies
• Orange Truffles
• Mini Sweet Potato Pies
• Chocolate Bark with Candy Cane
• Cranberry Orange Bread
• Chocolate Peppermint Christmas Cupcakes

How about something hot and tasty to drink:

• Snowy Peppermint Hot Chocolate
• Hot Cranberry Cider
• Maple Hot Chocolate
• Hot Apple Cider

Now obviously you would most likely not want to make this many dishes. My goodness, that would feed an army! If you have an army to feed, bless you! If you are like the rest of us, picking three or four yummy dishes would be perfect. Maybe you will want two sweet options, or perhaps only one, or none at all. This just gives you an idea of what you can do.

Gluten does NOT have to put a damper on even the simplest of celebrations. Serving any of these dishes to your gluten-eating friends and family would be perfectly wonderful as well. Most likely they would never guess that anything was "missing" from the dishes.

This is the time of year for memories to be made with family and friends. For traditions to be observed and celebrated. If your family is anything like mine, food plays a huge part in those traditions. Get your kids involved in the cooking of the "feast" or get them involved in at least planning what favorites will be served. Appetizers are so easy to make ahead, set out and enjoy. Makes for a fun meal as well. My family thoroughly enjoys a meal of appetizers as a change of pace and a way to enjoy an evening together.

Go ahead, make a few new memories this season with your family! Times are tough, but preparing a few tasty treats does not cost a great deal and the memories you will make will last a lifetime for you and your family. Tough times can draw a family closer together, for that reason, I am thankful for the tough times. Wonderful memories can be made with just a few simple dishes and a bit of time together with those you love!

Enjoy the season!

Are you still looking for more ideas for holiday gatherings? Visit our Christmas Menuzine for more great ideas. So much to see, so many wonderful flavors to explore and only so much holiday time left. Check it out and make a memory!