It’s the holidays; my favorite time of the year!

When I think about the holidays, I inevitably think about shopping malls filled to the rafters; people in a rush to buy the perfect presents; cars stuck in traffic, honking; parking spaces impossible to find; and people not exactly in the best of dispositions under these exasperating circumstances.

Which begs the question—why is this my favorite time of the year?

And what does all this commercialism have to do with Christmas? I used to wonder about this too until I realized something. Maybe, just maybe, there was this same spirit during that first Christmas, too.

Imagine going back in time in the streets of Bethlehem—

The crowded streets, merchants selling their wares, people haggling for a better price, an errant camel rider causing a holdup on the street, a cook running after a servant boy who sneaked out with an apple—

Then—amidst all that noise and chaos—came peace, joy, and love.

This holiday season, above all that turmoil, commercialism, and technology, when you’re seated at that dinner table in the presence of people you care about, you’ll feel that special feeling of peace and happiness wrapped all around you. And that’s what this holiday is about.

With this message about family and friends; about peace, joy, and love, comes an encouragement to have a meaningful time and a wonderful meal with them. After working hard over the past year, this is the time to indulge and enjoy time with friends and family. After all, wellness is about balance.

So yes, you have our permission to indulge. *fireworks*

That said, we thought it would be remiss of us to not share these sinfully indulgent, sumptuous meals you can relish during the holidays and share with your family and loved ones. Check out the links to the recipes as well!

1. Chicken Drumsticks and Vegetables in Mustard-Tarragon Sauce

Photo courtesy of RYAN LIEBE / MARIAN COOPER CAIRNS/Woman’s Day

Heartwarming, delicious, and undeniably tempting, this chicken classic with its tasteful twist gives you that feeling of strangely comforting familiarity. Definitely, a dish to share with family and friends.

2. Sweet and Sticky Apricot-Glazed Ham

Photo courtesy of YOSSY AREFI/ THE GOOD HOUSEKEEPING TEST KITCHEN/GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

Sumptuous do not always have to be complicated! From banal to blissful, turn your store-bought ham into a mouthwatering holiday treat. Good Housekeeping shows you how it’s done, with only four ingredients!

3. Prime Rib with Herbes de Provence Crust

A swoon-worthy holiday feast, this prime rib roast is seasoned with salt, pepper, and herbes de Provence. Serve it with some Hasselback Potatoes and you’d think you just died and went to heaven.

4. Feta and Spinach Tartlets

Inspired by the flavors of the Mediterranean, these tartlets are a flavorful combination of feta cheese and spinach in a crunchy shell. 

5. Baked Two-Cheese Rigatoni

Photo courtesy Ronmar Lacamiento from Pexels

With a heavenly spin on an American meal staple, this leveled-up Mac and Cheese is the perfect fancy side. Marian Cooper Cairns and Dawn Perry tell us how it’s done.

6. Lobster Bisque

Photo credits: Annabelle Breakey/Photolibrary/Getty Images/Pinterest

Kathy Kingsley’s lush lobster bisque will be a guaranteed Christmas hit! I mean, who doesn’t love lobster? This savory stew is great served as a fancy first course.

7. Eggnog Sweet Potato Bake

Photo credits to Eggnog Sweet Potato Bake Recipe by Taste of Home

What’s a holiday without some eggnog? Add it to some mashed sweet potatoes the night before and refrigerate it. Let it stand at room temperature for a half hour the next day before baking. Thank you, Katie Wollgast and Taste of Home!

8. Spicy Southern Hot Corn

Photo credits to Jenn/Peas and Crayons

Whether you have it as a dreamy side dish or a tempting appetizer, you can’t go wrong with Peas and Crayon’s Southern Hot Corn! You can rock it and make it as mild or as spicy as you wish for your holiday winter meal! 

9. Roasted Mushrooms and Veggies 

Photo credit: Joanna Cismaru /JoCooks

Of course, we’re not going to be neglecting our veggies! This is about balance, after all. And this recipe is absolutely the easiest, most delectable way to blend mushrooms and veggies (tomatoes, cauliflower, and garlic) in one satisfying dish!

10. Croquembouche

This one’s a feast not just to the taste buds, but to the eyes as well. Very popular in France, the Croquembouche is a showstopping tower of deliciously assembled cream puffs stuffed with luscious cream and surrounded in caramel and spun sugar. Sinful? You bet. Irresistible? Absolutely! Thank you, Williams-Sonoma for the recipe!

The holidays are about enjoying time with loved ones over a wonderful meal after a long, successful year. It’s a celebration of love and life. And it’s a celebration you deserve. 

Merry Christmas from Havasu!