Many hosts and hostesses never truly enjoy Christmas Day. They are often overwhelmed with the responsibilities of meal preparation and find little time to really enjoy their guests' company. Here are six tips to ensure that you also have a merry Christmas.

1. Have one focal menu

Do not have a spread for Christmas breakfast and an even greater spread for dinner. If you do not have committed help, you are asking for trouble and will be grumpy by the end of the day. Make breakfast light. You can also take advantage of your church's Christmas breakfast post-service, or take the family to one of the many popular buffet brunches.

2. Do lots of pre-preparation

A big part of your Christmas dinner can be done the day before. Menu items, such as roast, ham, turkey, vegetable salad and potato salad are good choices. The sorrel and fruitcake should be done days in advance. Your decision on the number of dishes to do the day before will depend on your storage facility as you want to maintain their quality. Leave in advance. Your decision on the number of dishes to do the day before will depend on your storage facility as you want to maintain their quality. Leave soups, rice, gravies, table setting and garnishes for Christmas Day. You should also get assistance for this pre-preparation.

3. Serving dishes and table appointments

It is very nice to use all your fine flatware, hollowware and cutlery, including cloth napkins. These deci-sions depend on if you are a sadist or you have holiday staff and a dish-washer. Will your family members follow you to the kitchen after dinner instead of retreating to the TV room? Consider the many attractive, festive, disposable table appointments which resemble the real thing. Leave the special ware for smaller meals when the immediate family alone dines, like on Christmas Sunday.

4. Ask your family for help

4. Ask your immediate and extended family members for help. Sometimes we behave like super heroes even when we are dead tired. Open the invitation for help to everybody or ask specific persons. For example: "Guys, let us quickly clear the dining room and kitchen so we can go join the fun."

5. Safety

Be grounded. Remember all safety issues in the kitchen concerning electricity and turning off gas knobs. Store leftovers promptly and safely to prevent food-borne infection and a visit to the doctor's office or hospital. In the house be aware; close off areas not in use, and close all doors behind you. Uninvited persons use opportunities like these to do harm.

6. Prevent regrets

Remember medical and health issues concerning food. If you or family members have a chronic disease which is managed by food, prepare suitable options for Christmas dinner. People watching their caloric intake should consume more of the lower-calorie options and enjoy the high-calorie options in moderation.

May you and your family have a memorable and blessed Christmas.

Rosalee M. Brown is a registered dietitian/nutritionist who operates Integrated Nutrition and Health Services; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.