• Christmas dinner can be as simple or as elaborate as you choose.Zoran Milich/Photodisc/Getty Images
  
  Christmas Day and the whole holiday season usher in opportunities for family and friends to strengthen bonds. The season seems burdensome, though, with shopping, social obligations and cooking. Make Christmas dinner easy and enjoyable. Spend enough time in the kitchen to create a delicious feast, but not so much time that you miss the good times with family and friends. Create a menu to please your guests from appetizers to dessert. It might be easier than you expected.
  
  

Appetizers

• Fresh fruits and vegetables make refreshing appetizers.fruit tray image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com
  
  Family and guests usually like to snack as they wait for dinner. Keep appetizers simple. Order a fruit and cheese tray and a vegetable tray with a selection of dips. Ask your grocer well in advance of the season when you should place your order. Pick up the trays the day before Christmas to ensure that the appetizers are fresh.
  
  

Main Course

• Pot roast is a delicious and appropriate Christmas main course.roast dinner image by hazel proudlove from Fotolia.com
  
  Christmas dinner seems to be more open to a variety of main courses than Thanksgiving. Make a beef sirloin or rib roast cooked in fresh thyme, white wine and cranberry juice. Add potatoes, carrots and pearl onions a half hour before serving for a savory and easy-to-prepare Christmas main course. Your roast will fill the house with tantalizing aromas as it cooks slowly in the oven.
  
  

Side Dishes

• Add a green salad to your Christmas dinner menu.salad image by cherie from Fotolia.com
  
  Making a pot roast with potatoes, carrots and onions gives you a head start on side dishes. Add a green salad with tomatoes and raspberry vinaigrette dressing to the menu. Serve fresh green beans cooked in tarragon vinegar. Serve crescent rolls hot from the oven.
  
  

Beverages

• Red wine can accompany a beef main course.red wine image by Maria Brzostowska from Fotolia.com
  
  Offer your family and guests a sampling of beverages. Add soda, sparkling water, beer and red wine to your shopping list. Let diners choose what they would like to drink with dinner.
  
  

Dessert

• Serve cheescake for dessert at Christmas dinner.cheesecake image by Steve Lovegrove from Fotolia.com
  
  Serving a delectable dessert is as easy as a visit to your local bakery. Order a pumpkin or chocolate cheesecake. Serve cheesecake with fresh coffee and brandy.