Planning our “Xmas Cookathon”, need fresh meal ideas

I’m trying to shake things up for our Christmas meals this year, and I could really use some inspiration. My wife and I want to turn Christmas Eve and Christmas Day into a small “Xmas Cookathon,” something fun we can cook together without stressing out the whole time.

For Christmas Eve, I’m hoping for something simple but still special. I’ve been thinking about meals like shrimp and grits, garlic butter salmon with roasted vegetables, a good steak with a fresh salad, or even something cozy like chicken pot pie soup with warm biscuits. I just want something that feels festive without being complicated.

For Christmas Day, my wife wants to make ham, which is her family tradition. I’m totally fine with that, but I’d like to pair it with sides that feel a little more interesting than the usual sweet potatoes and rolls. I’ve been considering things like smoked mac and cheese, maple-roasted carrots, crispy smashed potatoes, brown butter green beans, or even a cheddar scallion cornbread just something that makes the whole meal feel more exciting.

We’re trying to build a two-day menu that feels fun, flavorful, and easy enough that we actually enjoy cooking together. If you were planning Christmas Eve and Christmas Day meals, what would you make? Any unique ideas would really help.