Christmas is one of my favorite times to be in the kitchen. We make this an experience for the senses, with Christmas music playing (everything Christmas from the classics to country to jazz to musicals!), the tree twinkling, and little hands sneaking tastes when they think I’m not looking. It’s a season filled with warmth, generosity, and the joy of gathering the people we love around good, nourishing food. My Healthy Christmas and New Year’s Recipes will help you experience the same joy.
Here’s the truth: the holidays don’t have to mean sugar crashes, food comas, or dishes full of ingredients that leave you feeling anything but merry. With a little intention (and a lot of flavor!), you can create a Christmas menu that’s every bit as festive as the classics… just cleaner, allergy-friendly, and made with ingredients your body will thank you for.
Inside this guide, you’ll find everything you need for a beautiful, stress-free celebration: cozy beverages, vibrant appetizers, crowd-pleasing mains, holiday side dishes, decadent desserts, plus simple entertaining tips that make your home feel warm, welcoming, and full of life. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or keeping things simple with your immediate family, these Christmas and New Year’s recipes are designed to help you serve a holiday meal that nourishes both body and soul.
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Our Favorite Christmas Traditions
We like to keep Christmas Eve dinner intimate with just close family and chosen family members, a kitchen island full of appetizers and dinner, followed by our Christmas Eve church service and a drive to see Christmas lights. If you’re in the Atlanta area, we highly recommend checking out Lights of Joy. It’s one of our favorite displays, complete with tunnels, dancing lights, and so many photo-worthy moments. You can also see photos online here!
After the lights, we come home and enjoy Gluten-Free Pizzelles (waffle cookie recipe coming soon!) shaped into bowls and filled with Peppermint Stick Coconut Milk Ice Cream. We also serve our Hot Holiday Punch and Mulled Cider in an Airpot that keeps drinks warm for up to 24 hours—perfect for sipping throughout the evening and for Christmas morning brunch.
Once the little ones are tucked into bed, Esther (our oldest) helps me sprinkle Christmas joy around the house. Each child has a monogrammed stocking lovingly knitted by my mom, Mimi (she’s made over 30 stockings for loved ones!), and we love getting creative…some years, we even hang our traditional stockings on one of our trees!
On Christmas morning, the first thing I do is start the Christmas music and gather everyone to take a photo on the stairs, which we have done since I was a child. I have one house rule: no presents until Mama gets her shower! After a late night of Christmas preparation, that quiet time helps me feel refreshed and ready for the joyful chaos ahead.
Once the day begins, we do a quick switch—from our night pajamas to our Christmas Day pajamas—and head straight to the kitchen for Christmas brunch. One of our favorite traditions is turning leftover Gluten-Friendly Dinner Rolls into warm, gooey Cinnamon Buns; the perfect way to repurpose leftovers into something special. We round out the meal with hollandaise sauce, poached pasture-raised organic eggs, organic Vegetable Hashbrowns, a big bowl of fresh, organic fruit salad, and of course, more of our delicious Hot Holiday Punch and Mulled Cider.
Christmas brunch is also a time to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. Every year, Dr. Z reads the Christmas story before we eat, alternating among the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) each year.
Once breakfast is done, the kids finally get to open their presents and figure out who their Secret Sibling is. This tradition of drawing names has taught our kids generosity, and it’s so fun to see what the siblings got each other. Then, Eric and the kids make Italian Honey Balls while Mama gets her much-needed nap. For dinner, we roll and make fresh potato and sweet potato Gnocchi. We enjoy treats for dessert alongside our famous Lamb Stew (cooked in the Instant Pot on “Slow Cook” mode to keep things simple), leftover Gluten-Friendly Dinner Rolls with Herbed Butter, Mimi’s Famous Herbed Rice, and Butternut Squash Soufflé. Dr. Z will also make plenty of his famous Healthy Hot Cocoa, and organic and non-GMO popcorn, topped with extra-virgin and unrefined coconut oil and pink Himalayan salt, for us to munch on while we have fun movie marathons. Our New Year’s recipes are similar, and we often mix and match entrees based on everyone’s requests.
Healthy Christmas and New Year’s Recipes Index
This collection was created to help you host the holidays with confidence. Inside, you’ll find vibrant, allergy-friendly recipes that honor tradition while supporting wellness. Use this index to find Christmas and New Year’s recipes that feel warm, welcoming, and wonderfully nourishing.
Appetizers
- Chips for Dipping – Our favorite pairings are Hu or Simple Mills crackers, masa chips, and organic corn or potato chips made with clean oils and a touch of sea salt. We like to buy a variety to pair with our Christmas and New Year’s recipes.
- Cocktail Meatballs – Tender meatballs coated in a flavorful, sugar-free sauce everyone loves.
- Fill-In-The-Gap Nuts – A protein-filled treat that you can season with the variation of your choice.
- French Onion Dip – Transform vegan sour cream into a flavorful dip for crackers or veggies.
- Gluten-Free/Gluten-Friendly Bread – Great for dipping or snacking on.
- Organic Fruit Tray – Look for organic produce like cherries, grapes, kiwi, mango, melon, pineapple, raspberries, and strawberries, and serve it alongside Vegan Pumpkin Dip for a bright pairing.
- Organic Olive/Relish Tray – A delicious, salty snack that looks and feels gourmet.
- Organic Vegetable Tray – Serve a mix of organic veggies like broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, celery, cucumber, peas, and radishes.
- Pesto Cream Dip – Mix ⅓ cup of your favorite pesto with dairy-free, vegan almond-milk cream cheese OR plain cream cheese-style spread.
- Turkey Bacon Wrapped Pineapple – A fun, two-ingredient appetizer where smoky turkey bacon pairs beautifully with bright, caramelized pineapple. Ideal for parties or quick snacks.
Main Dishes
- Healthy Homemade Tomato Bisque – A creamy, comforting soup made with clean ingredients and vegan options.
- Gluten-Free Chicken Roll-Ups (Petti di Pollo Alla Bolognese) – A wholesome twist on the classic Italian dish, made clean, flavorful, and completely gluten-free.
- Gluten-Free Turkey Gravy – Smooth, rich, and full of flavor — all without a hint of white flour.
- Meat or Crockpot Lasagna – Perfect for busy days: prep in advance, simmer in the crockpot, and enjoy a comforting gluten-free Italian meal with minimal effort.
- Organic and Free Range Turkey with Herbed Turkey Brine – This brine is the key to the moistest organic, free-range turkey, seasoned simply with herbs, citrus, and sea salt.
- Turkey Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs – One of our favorite dishes that kids adore. To make, wrap organic nitrate-free grass-fed chicken/beef hot dogs with organic nitrate-free turkey bacon and tightly secure using a toothpick. Cook using your preferred method until the bacon is crisp.
- Vegan Taco Dip – Layered and flavorful, this taco-inspired dish goes beyond appetizer status and easily becomes a dinner all on its own.
Sides & Salads
- Butternut Squash Soufflé – Light, fluffy, and kissed with maple syrup. This recipe was inspired by my Aunt Sandy and is one of our friends’ favorite Christmas and New Year’s recipes.
- Cranberry Relish – Crisp, sweet-tart, and perfectly refreshing — this one belongs on every holiday table.
- Gluten-Free/Gluten-Friendly Dinner Rolls with Herbed Butter – These soft, fluffy dinner rolls are a holiday staple and can be made gluten-free or gluten-friendly to suit your table. We love serving them with Herbed Butter infused with organic herbes de Provence.
- Gluten-Free/Gluten-Friendly Soft Pretzels –Soft, warm pretzels made gluten-free or gluten-friendly — perfect for dipping or snacking.
- Plant-Based Jello with Organic Fruit – Make the plant-based jello according to the package. Stir in organic, no-sugar-added canned fruit (like peaches). Pour into a jello mold or bowl and chill for at least 2 hours. We recommend staying away from citrus-flavored jello as they don’t set as well.
- Vegan Caesar Salad – Nicknamed my “trillion-dollar salad” by a family friend, this refreshing, light side always steals the show.
Desserts
- Chocolate Nut No-Bake Cookies – One of the easiest cookies to make. Try the peppermint variation for a seasonal twist.
- Coconut Milk Whipped Cream – I like creating a peppermint version of this recipe by adding 2-4 drops of peppermint essential oil. I also include a plain version.
- Crustless Gluten-Free Cranberry Pie – A guilt-free dessert that’s simple and stunning.
- Easy Pumpkin Pie – An effortless pumpkin pie made from our vegan pumpkin dip — whip up an extra batch so you can enjoy it twice: as a festive appetizer and a cozy holiday dessert.
- Gluten-Free Banana Bread – Soft, comforting banana bread made with clean ingredients and warm spice. A timeless family favorite.
- Gluten-Free Struffoli – All the nostalgic sweetness of traditional struffoli, recreated gluten-free so everyone at your table can enjoy this Christmas favorite.
- Mama Z’s Triple Lemon or Orange Bars – A delicious, bright dessert that brings a burst of holiday citrus. This time of year, orange is our favorite variation.
- Peppermint Sticks Ice Cream – Creamy, dairy-free peppermint ice cream that delivers pure, frosty mint flavor without any artificial add-ins.
Beverages
- Chai Tea Lattes with Iced Options – Tea is always a welcoming choice for guests, whether you serve it warm or chilled.
- Coffee Lattes (Hot and Iced) – One of our favorite New Year’s recipes, these lattes stay stocked at my beverage station so guests have an easy, refreshing option to choose from. Peppermint mocha is always our most popular beverage this time of year!
- Iced Hibiscus Green Tea – A fun option that’s as refreshing as it is pretty. Perfect for guests who love cold beverages.
- Infused Water – Add organic bay leaves, oranges, and pomegranates for festive flavor. You can also create a red and green version with organic cranberries and mint.
- Mulled Cider – A warm, non-alcoholic sip that fills your home with the comforting aroma of fall.
- Kombucha, Sparkling Water, and Zevia – A great choice for anyone who loves refreshing, good-for-you bubbly beverages.
- Warm Holiday Punch – Infused with natural sweetness from orange slices, warm cinnamon, and aromatic cloves.
Entertain Like a Rockstar
Hosting should feel joyful…not like you’re running a marathon in your own kitchen. Whether you’re inviting two people or twenty, creating a welcoming space begins long before guests walk through the door. It starts with intention: a little prep, a peaceful mindset, and a home that feels comforting the moment someone steps inside.
That’s exactly why I created Entertain Like a Rockstar: a simple, grace-filled guide designed to help you open your home with confidence. Inside, you’ll find the little things that make a big difference: how to prep your menu without scrambling at the last minute, ways to create a beautiful atmosphere using clean essential oil blends, and practical tips for making your kitchen and table feel effortless instead of stressful.
We’ll walk through setting up a beverage station that runs itself, preparing allergy-friendly snacks that everyone can enjoy, and adding thoughtful touches that make your guests feel genuinely cared for. I’ll also share a hosting checklist to keep everything running smoothly so you can breathe, smile, and actually enjoy the gathering you worked so hard to prepare.
Because the truth is, hospitality isn’t about perfection. It’s about creating moments of peace and connection, and you absolutely can do that with a little planning. This hosting guide is the perfect companion to our comprehensive index of Christmas and New Year’s recipes.
Click here to explore my favorite hosting tips and learn how to entertain with ease, joy, and grace.
Let Your Heart Prepare Him Room
Christmas has a way of filling our calendars faster than our hearts. The cooking, the gifting, the hosting, the lists…all good things, but none meant to replace the One we’re celebrating. In the middle of the menus and the gatherings and the beautiful bustle of the season, there is an invitation. A gentle whisper to slow down, breathe deeply, and make space for the presence of Jesus.
Preparing our homes is important, but preparing our hearts is transformational. It’s pausing long enough to remember that Emmanuel (God with us) stepped into our world not in grandeur, but in simplicity. And He still comes to us in the quiet moments: in a prayer whispered over our hands as we cook Christmas and New Year’s recipes, in the soft glow of early-morning lights, in the laughter of children dancing around the kitchen, in the peace that settles when we turn our attention back to Him.
Letting your heart “prepare Him room” doesn’t require a perfect home or a flawless holiday. It simply means making space for wonder, gratitude, and for the kind of peace that doesn’t depend on circumstances. It’s choosing presence over pressure. Worship over worry. Connection over chaos.
As you move through this season, invite Him into it all. Ask Him to fill your home with His peace, your conversations with His kindness, and your heart with the joy that only He can give.
May this be the Christmas when you feel Him nearer than ever, guiding your steps, calming your spirit, and reminding you that the greatest gift has already been given.
A Christmas Prayer and Bible Verses
Heavenly Father, we thank You and are grateful for family, friends, and fellowship. We ask you to bless this food for the nourishment of our bodies. Bless and multiply our time. Bless and strengthen our family bond by sharing love and reminding everyone of the hope and presence of Jesus in this season. We pray for those who are alone and facing hardships and challenges, that You would fill them with your peace and give them joy, friendship, and hope.
Matthew 1:23
“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel (which means, God with us).”Isaiah 9:6
“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”Luke 2:10–11
“Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.’”John 1:14
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth.”
