My family had a wonderful Thanksgiving in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Blowing Rocks, NC. We gave many thanks for a cabin with spectacular view, laughter, good food and time spent with family. (Stay tuned for a full review of our Thanksgiving getaway.)

Sunrise over the Blue Ridge Mountains

Leftover Cranberry Sauce Muffins

Then, we blinked and December snowballed into the scene. Now my days are full of Elf on the Shelf mischief and Advent calendar fun as we countdown the days until Christmas. Not to mention, our adult craft beer Advent Calendar has definitely been keep things merry for Iron Chef Allan and me.

Of course, I’m still planning our dinner menu through all the holiday hoopla. There are Christmas cookies to bake, gifts to buy and wrap, a holiday party to plan and two Christmas Dinners to plan.

Anybody else ready for a long winter’s nap?

With working out less and all the holiday temptations, I’m just taking it one day at a time, one simple healthy meal at a time. Last year, I shared six tips on how to combat the holiday calories.

I really need to stick to these tips to avoid gaining weight this holiday. Most importantly, it’s starts with sticking with a routine as much as possible and for me, that means sticking to menu planning.

With that, here’s this week’s dinner menu. Here’s to keeping meals merry and light this season!

Sunday – Chicken Marsala with Pasta and 1967 Salad

Meatless Monday – Pizza

Tuesday – White Cheddar and Broccoli Baked Potato with a Mixed Greens Salad

Wednesday – Chicken-Mushroom {and Spinach} Quesadillas

Thursday – Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowls with Cilantro Lime Rice

Friday – Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas

What’s on your dinner menu this week? What are you tips to avoid overeating and stress eating during the holidays?

Follow Run DMT on Pinterest for more kid-approved healthy recipes and healthy living tips.

For holiday gift ideas and recipes, follow my Pinterest Boards:  Gift Ideas, Christmas Fun, Christmas Cookies,  Elf on the Shelf.