Christmas Dinner Menu With Ham: Irresistible Recipes to Impress

Ham remains one of the most beloved centerpieces for Christmas dinners across North America, prized for its versatility, crowd-pleasing flavor, and ability to feed a large group without excessive hands-on cooking time. Whether you’re hosting a large family gathering or an intimate holiday dinner, a well-executed ham paired with thoughtful sides, starters, and desserts will earn you compliments all night long.

This menu features tested, fail-proof recipes, pro tips to avoid common hosting mistakes (like dry ham or burnt glaze), and make-ahead guidance to cut down on Christmas Day stress. We cover everything from selecting the right ham for your group to pairing sides that balance its rich, savory flavor, so even first-time hosts can pull off a showstopping meal.

Selecting the Perfect Ham for Your Christmas Feast

The quality and cut of ham you choose will make or break your holiday meal, so it’s worth taking a few minutes to understand your options before heading to the store.

Types of Ham to Choose From

Hams vary widely in flavor, texture, and prep time, so pick a cut that matches your hosting style and guest preferences:

• Bone-in ham: Retains more moisture and has a deeper, richer flavor than boneless cuts, but requires a bit more effort to carve. Ideal for larger gatherings where flavor is the top priority.
• Boneless ham: Pre-sliced or whole, it’s far easier to carve and serve, making it perfect for small groups or hosts short on time.
• Spiral-cut ham: Pre-sliced in a continuous spiral, it requires no carving at all and cooks faster than whole cuts. The only downside is that it can dry out more quickly if overcooked, so monitor its temperature closely.
• Smoked vs. unsmoked: Smoked hams have a deep, savory, bacon-like flavor from the smoking process, while unsmoked hams have a milder, sweeter profile that works well with bold glazes.
• Pre-cooked vs. raw: 90% of hams sold for holiday use are pre-cooked, meaning you only need to reheat them to 145°F (63°C). Raw hams require longer cooking (18-20 minutes per pound) but have a fresher, less salty flavor if you have the time.

Use this table to estimate how much ham to buy:

How to Buy a High-Quality Ham

Look for hams with an even, bright pink color and firm, dry texture. Avoid any cuts with gray patches, excessive liquid in the packaging, or a sour smell, as these are signs of improper storage. If buying from a butcher, ask for a ham cured with natural sugars and nitrates derived from celery rather than artificial additives, which can leave a chemical aftertaste. City-cured brined hams are sweeter and more widely available, while dry-cured country hams are saltier and have a longer shelf life, making them a good pick if you’re hosting weeks in advance.

Prepping Ham for Cooking

Proper prep ensures your ham stays juicy and flavorful throughout cooking:

1. Let pre-cooked hams sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before cooking to ensure even heating. For raw hams, brine for 12-24 hours in a mixture of water, kosher salt, brown sugar, bay leaves, and black peppercorns to lock in moisture.
2. Score the fat cap in a ¼-inch deep diamond pattern with a sharp knife. This gives glaze a rough surface to grip, and renders the fat to baste the meat as it cooks. Don’t trim off all the fat — a ¼-inch layer is ideal for keeping the meat moist.
3. Add 1 cup of water, broth, or apple cider to the bottom of your roasting pan to prevent the drippings from burning and create a flavorful base for gravy if desired.

Per USDA safe ham cooking guidelines, pre-cooked, cured hams only need to reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) before serving, while raw, uncured hams must hit 160°F (71°C) to eliminate harmful bacteria. Always use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the ham (avoiding the bone) for an accurate reading.

A glossy orange marmalade glazed ham, a showstopping centerpiece for your holiday table. Credit: www.foodnetwork.com

Irresistible Glazed Ham Recipes (Tested for Flavor and Ease)

These recipes use simple, accessible ingredients and clear steps to deliver a caramelized, flavorful crust without burning. All glazes are designed to complement, not overpower, the natural taste of the ham.

Classic Honey Glazed Ham

This timeless recipe is a crowd-pleaser for hosts of all skill levels, with a sweet, sticky crust that appeals to kids and adults alike. Ingredients: 1 10-pound pre-cooked spiral ham, ½ cup honey, ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, ¼ tsp ground cloves. Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan, and add 1 cup of water to the bottom of the pan to prevent drippings from burning.
2. Whisk all glaze ingredients together in a small bowl until smooth.
3. Brush half the glaze over the ham, then bake for 1 hour 15 minutes.
4. Brush with the remaining glaze, then bake for another 30-45 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F and the glaze is caramelized and bubbly.
5. Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before carving to let the juices redistribute.

Pro tip: A common mistake is applying glaze too early in the cooking process, which causes the sugars to burn before the ham is fully heated. If the glaze starts to brown too quickly before the ham is done, tent it loosely with aluminum foil to slow the browning.

Maple Dijon Glazed Ham

For a more complex, tangy flavor, this glaze cuts through the ham’s saltiness with bright mustard notes and warm maple sweetness. Ingredients: 1 12-pound bone-in pre-cooked ham, ¾ cup pure maple syrup, ¼ cup Dijon mustard, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, ½ tsp black pepper. Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Score the ham in a diamond pattern, place cut-side up in the roasting pan.
2. Whisk all glaze ingredients together until combined.
3. Brush half the glaze over the ham, then bake for 1 hour 30 minutes.
4. Brush with the remaining glaze, top with fresh thyme sprigs, and bake for another 30 minutes until the glaze is caramelized and the ham is heated through.
5. Rest for 20 minutes before carving.

Pro tip: Always use 100% pure maple syrup (not pancake syrup) for the deepest, most authentic flavor. This glaze also works perfectly as a condiment for leftover ham sandwiches.

Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham

This festive, tropical twist on classic ham is as visually stunning as it is delicious, with caramelized pineapple slices that add juiciness and bright acidity to cut through the richness. Ingredients: 1 10-pound spiral-cut ham, 1 cup brown sugar, ½ cup pineapple juice, ¼ cup honey, 1 20-ounce can pineapple slices, 20 whole cloves. Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Mix brown sugar, pineapple juice, and honey until smooth.
2. Place the ham in the roasting pan, brush with half the glaze.
3. Arrange pineapple slices over the top of the ham, securing each with a whole clove for a classic holiday look.
4. Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes, brushing with remaining glaze every 20 minutes to keep it moist.
5. Bake until the internal temperature reaches 145°F, then let rest for 15 minutes.

Pro tip: If you don’t have whole cloves, you can use toothpicks to secure the pineapple slices, though cloves add a warm, spicy aroma that complements the pineapple’s sweetness perfectly.

Spiced Bourbon Glazed Ham

For a grown-up twist on classic ham, this glaze adds warm, oaky notes from bourbon and a hint of heat from smoked paprika. Ingredients: 1 12-pound bone-in ham, ½ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup bourbon, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional). Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Whisk all glaze ingredients together in a small saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely, then let cool slightly.
2. Score the ham, place cut-side up in the roasting pan.
3. Brush with half the glaze, then bake for 1 hour 30 minutes.
4. Brush with the remaining glaze, then bake for another 30-45 minutes until caramelized and heated through.
5. Rest for 20 minutes before serving.

Note: The alcohol cooks off completely during baking, leaving only warm, complex flavor. For a non-alcoholic version, swap the bourbon for unsweetened apple cider.

Perfect Side Dishes to Balance Your Ham Menu

The right sides balance the ham’s salty, savory flavor with sweet, earthy, or bright notes to create a well-rounded meal. All of these dishes can be prepped ahead of time to free up space in your kitchen on Christmas Day.

Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

Nothing says holiday comfort like thin, tender potato slices layered in a creamy, cheesy sauce. This dish pairs perfectly with the saltiness of ham, and can be assembled a full day ahead. Serves 8 Ingredients: 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes (peeled and sliced ¼-inch thick), 2 cups heavy cream, 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tsp fresh thyme, salt and black pepper to taste. Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Layer potato slices in the dish, sprinkling each layer with garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, and a drizzle of heavy cream.
3. Top with grated Gruyère, then pour any remaining cream over the top.
4. Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown and bubbling. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Pro tip: For a gluten-free version, swap the Gruyère for a gluten-free cheddar, and ensure your cream is gluten-free (most are, but always check labels if serving guests with celiac disease).

Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts

These nutty, caramelized sprouts add a bright, earthy contrast to the sweet ham and creamy sides. The key to perfect roasted Brussels sprouts is avoiding overcrowding the pan, which steams them instead of roasting. Serves 6 Ingredients: 1.5 lbs Brussels sprouts (trimmed and halved), 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, ¼ cup balsamic glaze, ¼ cup toasted sliced almonds. Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
2. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet (use two sheets if needed to avoid overcrowding).
3. Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway, until crispy on the outside and tender inside.
4. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and top with toasted almonds before serving.

Pro tip: For extra flavor, toss the sprouts with 1 tbsp of balsamic vinegar before roasting, which helps them caramelize faster.

Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping

This sweet, savory dish is a holiday staple for good reason: its creamy texture and crunchy pecan topping pair perfectly with both glazed ham and savory sides. Serves 8 Ingredients: 3 lbs sweet potatoes (peeled and cubed), ¼ cup melted butter, ¼ cup heavy cream, 2 eggs, ½ cup brown sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, ½ tsp ground nutmeg, 1 cup pecan halves, ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp melted butter. Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil sweet potato cubes until tender, about 10 minutes, then drain and mash until smooth.
2. Stir melted butter, heavy cream, eggs, ½ cup brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg into the mashed sweet potatoes until fully combined. Spread into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. Mix pecans, ¼ cup brown sugar, and 2 tbsp melted butter, then sprinkle evenly over the top of the sweet potatoes.
4. Bake for 30 minutes until the topping is crispy and the casserole is heated through.

Pro tip: If you prefer a less sweet version, omit the extra ¼ cup brown sugar in the topping and add a pinch of flaky sea salt to balance the sweetness.

Honey Glazed Carrots

These tender, caramelized carrots add a bright pop of color and sweetness to your table, and come together in under 30 minutes. Serves 6 Ingredients: 1.5 lbs baby carrots, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tsp fresh rosemary (chopped), salt and black pepper to taste. Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss carrots with butter, honey, rosemary, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
2. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet.
3. Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway, until caramelized and tender.

Pro tip: For extra tender carrots, steam them for 5 minutes before tossing with glaze and roasting for 10 minutes to crisp the edges.

Bright Starters and Salads to Cut Through Richness

Light, acidic starters and salads reset your guests’ palates between rich bites of ham and heavy sides, keeping the meal from feeling too dense.

Winter Citrus Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing

This vibrant salad brings a burst of fresh, tangy flavor to your table, and can be prepped up to 1 day ahead (store the dressing separately to keep greens crisp). Serves 6 Ingredients: 3 oranges (peeled and segmented), 2 blood oranges (segmented), 1 grapefruit (segmented), 4 cups baby arugula, ¼ cup toasted sliced almonds, ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese. Dressing: ¼ cup olive oil, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, salt and pepper to taste. Instructions:

1. Toss all salad ingredients together in a large bowl.
2. Whisk all dressing ingredients until emulsified, then drizzle over the salad just before serving.

Pro tip: Segment the citrus over a small bowl to catch the juice, which you can stir into the dressing for an extra boost of citrus flavor. Remove all white pith from the segments to avoid bitter bites.

Cranberry Walnut Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

This earthy, tangy salad pairs the sweetness of dried cranberries with crunchy walnuts and creamy feta for a balanced, elegant starter. Serves 6 Ingredients: 5 cups mixed greens, ½ cup dried cranberries, ¼ cup toasted walnuts, ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese. Dressing: 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp honey, ½ cup olive oil, salt and pepper to taste. Instructions:

1. Toss greens, cranberries, walnuts, and feta in a large bowl.
2. Whisk all dressing ingredients until smooth, then toss with the salad just before serving.

Pro tip: This salad can be prepped 1 day ahead: store the dressing in a sealed jar in the fridge, and add it right before serving to prevent sogginess.

Mini Ham and Cheese Sliders

These bite-sized previews of your main course are perfect for guests to munch on while the ham finishes cooking, and are a hit with kids and adults alike. Serves 12 (2 sliders per person) Ingredients: 12 mini dinner rolls, ½ lb thinly sliced Christmas ham, 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese, ¼ cup honey mustard, 1 tbsp melted butter. Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice rolls in half horizontally.
2. Spread the bottom halves with honey mustard, then layer with ham and Swiss cheese.
3. Top with the roll tops, brush the tops with melted butter.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melted and the rolls are golden.

Pro tip: For a crispy, melted top, broil for the last 1 minute of baking, watching closely to avoid burning. You can assemble these 1 hour ahead and store them in the fridge before baking.

Sauces and Glazes to Elevate Your Ham

Even a perfectly cooked ham can be elevated with a complementary sauce or glaze. All of these options can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Spiced Mustard Glaze

This tangy, slightly spicy glaze cuts through the ham’s fattiness for a balanced, flavorful bite that isn’t overly sweet. Ingredients: ¼ cup Dijon mustard, ¼ cup honey, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, ¼ tsp ground cloves, 1 tsp apple cider vinegar. Instructions: Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl until smooth. Apply during the last 20 minutes of cooking to prevent burning.

Apricot Ginger Glaze

This bright, fruity glaze has a subtle kick of ginger that pairs especially well with smoked ham, adding a fresh, unexpected layer of flavor. Ingredients: ½ cup apricot preserves, 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger, 1 tsp lemon juice, ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional). Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until smooth. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove ginger pieces if desired. Apply during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

Brown Sugar Bourbon Glaze

This indulgent, caramelized glaze adds warm, oaky notes that feel extra festive for holiday gatherings. Ingredients: ½ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup bourbon, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp smoked paprika. Instructions: Whisk all ingredients together in a small saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely. Let cool slightly before applying during the last 20 minutes of cooking.

Pro tip: For a non-alcoholic version, swap the bourbon for unsweetened apple cider. All glazes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Decadent, Make-Ahead Desserts to End the Meal

End your Christmas dinner on a high note with one of these crowd-pleasing desserts, all of which can be made days in advance to free up space in your kitchen on the holiday.

Gingerbread Cheesecake

This creamy, spiced twist on classic cheesecake feels festive without being overly sweet, and pairs perfectly with the warm spices in your ham glazes. Serves 12 Ingredients: 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup melted butter, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 16 oz cream cheese (softened), ½ cup sour cream, ¼ cup sugar, 2 eggs, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 tsp ground ginger, 1 tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp ground cloves. Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar, then press into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
2. Beat cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and spices until smooth, then pour over the crust.
3. Bake for 55-60 minutes until the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool for 1 hour, then chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
4. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon before serving.

Pro tip: This cheesecake can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the fridge.

Classic Spiced Pumpkin Pie

A timeless holiday staple, this spiced pumpkin pie is a comforting end to any Christmas meal, and pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream. Serves 8 Ingredients: 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust, 1 15-oz can pure pumpkin puree, 1 14-oz can sweetened condensed milk, 2 eggs, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, ½ tsp ground ginger, ¼ tsp ground cloves, ¼ tsp nutmeg, ½ tsp salt. Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Whisk all filling ingredients together until smooth, then pour into the pie crust.
2. Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce heat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
3. Let cool completely before serving.

Pro tip: This pie can be made 2 days ahead and stored in the fridge. Top with whipped cream or a caramel drizzle for extra indulgence.

Chocolate Peppermint Bark

This no-bake treat is perfect for leaving out for guests to snack on throughout the evening, or packaging as a small gift to send home with visitors. Serves 15 Ingredients: 12 oz dark chocolate, 12 oz white chocolate, 1 tsp peppermint extract, ¼ cup crushed candy canes. Instructions:

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Melt dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth, then spread evenly on the baking sheet.
2. Melt white chocolate with peppermint extract, then drizzle over the dark chocolate. Use a butter knife to swirl the two chocolates together for a marbled effect.
3. Sprinkle with crushed candy canes, then chill for 1 hour until set. Break into pieces before serving.

Pro tip: This bark can be made up to 2 weeks ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

Stress-Free Tips for a Flawless Christmas Dinner

Hosting a holiday meal doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Follow these tips to cut down on stress and enjoy the day with your guests.

Build a Realistic Timeline

Underestimating cooking time is the most common holiday hosting mistake. Use this simple timeline to avoid last-minute panic:

• 3 days before Christmas: Shop for non-perishable ingredients, bake make-ahead desserts (peppermint bark, pumpkin pie), and clear out space in your fridge for ingredients and leftovers.
• 1 day before: Prep all sides that hold well (scalloped potatoes, cranberry walnut salad, glaze ingredients), brine your ham if using a raw cut, and set the table.
• Christmas morning: Take the ham out of the fridge to come to room temperature, prep last-minute sides (roasted Brussels sprouts, honey glazed carrots), and start the ham first, as it takes the longest to cook.
• 1 hour before serving: Warm sides, toss fresh salads, and arrange appetizers (like ham sliders) for guests to munch on while the ham rests.

Optimize Oven and Kitchen Space

If you’re cooking for a large group, you’ll likely be fighting for oven space. Prioritize cooking the ham first, as it needs the longest, most consistent heat. Use stovetop space for sides that don’t require the oven (like mashed potatoes, if you prefer them over scalloped), and use a slow cooker for warm items like cranberry sauce or roasted vegetables if your oven is full.

Childproof Your Kitchen During Prep

If you have young children visiting or living in your home, holiday cooking brings extra hazards: hot ovens, sharp knives, and tempting leftover ham scraps. Secure lower cabinets and drawers with child safety latches for kitchen cabinets to keep curious kids away from cleaning supplies and sharp utensils. Keep hot pans on back burners, and never leave food unattended on countertops.

Simplify Cleanup

After a long day of cooking, the last thing you want to do is scrub a stuck-on roasting pan. Line your roasting pan with aluminum foil before cooking to make cleanup effortless. For any stuck-on residue, a professional kitchen cleaning brush will cut through grease and food particles in seconds, no harsh scrubbing required. Use a kitchen cleaning brush set to clean small gaps in your oven and stovetop after cooking for a spotless kitchen. Leftover ham also makes fantastic sandwiches, soups, and even charcuterie-style snack platters for the days after Christmas. For a special touch, you can even engrave your serving platter with the year or a festive message for a personalized keepsake.

A full festive spread featuring glazed ham, roasted sides, and sweet desserts. Credit: bakeitwithlove.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best sides to pair with Christmas ham?

The best sides balance the ham’s salty, savory flavor with sweet, tangy, or earthy notes. Classic pairings include creamy scalloped potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet potato casserole, honey glazed carrots, and cranberry sauce. Bright, acidic salads like winter citrus or cranberry walnut also cut through the ham’s richness to keep the meal from feeling too heavy. For a casual gathering, mini ham sliders make excellent appetizers that preview the main course.

How far in advance can I glaze my ham?

You can mix glaze ingredients up to 3 days ahead and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Only apply the glaze during the last 15-30 minutes of cooking, depending on the sugar content: high-sugar glazes (like honey or brown sugar based) should be applied in the final 15-20 minutes to prevent burning, while lower-sugar glazes (like mustard based) can be applied up to 30 minutes before the end of cooking.

Can I make Christmas ham ahead of time?

Yes, you can fully cook a pre-cooked ham 1-2 days ahead of time, store it wrapped tightly in foil in the fridge, and reheat it at 325°F for 10-15 minutes per pound on Christmas day. Add glaze during the last 15 minutes of reheating to keep it caramelized. Raw hams should be cooked on the day of serving for food safety and best texture.

What drinks pair best with Christmas ham dinner?

Ham’s salty, sweet flavor pairs well with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. For wine, opt for fruity reds like Pinot Noir or Zinfandel, or off-dry white wines like Riesling. Sparkling cider, ginger ale, and light lagers are excellent non-alcoholic options. For a festive cocktail, try a bourbon sour or mulled wine, which complement the warm spices in ham glazes.

A streamlined two-hour ham dinner perfect for intimate holiday gatherings. Credit: www.bbcgoodfood.com

Conclusion

Christmas dinner with ham is a timeless tradition that brings people together over rich, comforting flavors and festive cheer. This menu is designed to be flexible, approachable, and impressive, no matter your hosting experience level. You can easily swap sides to accommodate dietary restrictions — use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the scalloped potatoes, or swap honey in the glaze for maple syrup for vegan guests — without sacrificing flavor.

The most important part of the meal isn’t the perfect glaze or the Instagram-worthy table setting: it’s the time spent with loved ones sharing good food. By prepping ahead, following our pro tips to avoid common mistakes like dry ham or burnt glaze, and keeping your kitchen organized with simple safety and cleaning tools, you can spend less time stressing and more time enjoying the holiday.

For more holiday hosting tips, make-ahead recipes, and kitchen hacks to simplify your Christmas cooking, explore our holiday hosting tips and kitchen hacks guide.

From our table to yours, merry Christmas and happy cooking!