Oh, geeze. I know exactly what you mean. I'm still pulling myself out of that same kind of thing now.

You could do angel food cake and egg nog. Basically a good way to lay waste to a dozen eggs. You get protien in both, so you're not loading up the carbs too badly.

It's a totally frivolous kinds of cooking spree, sure to leave a mess, but oh, it should taste good. It's a pampering thing. Be sure to use disposable cooking and eating implements for easy clean up.

Things that say "Christmas!" to me are pumpkin pies and tamales. Pies are everywhere, just stick in the oven and try not to burn it. Tamales can be ordered and shipped anywhere. I have personal experience with these. They are good. Just heat and serve.

For some aromatherapy, I like the cloves in oranges smell. Easy to do, and you can be creative.

Even if you don't feel like it, decorate some. It gives you something to do, and something to think about. You might also see if there's any way to volunteer or just be with other people as much as you can. I'm getting to the point that I have to force myself to be with friends, but it pays off.

Also, ((JanetLand))

JanetLand, I just checked: Ukrops doesn't ship their holiday dinners. Just know that I would have weasled your address out of you somehow, and sent one to your door. Unfortnately, I'm not much of a cook myself.

scalloped potatoes baked in the oven is simple but seems complex, and you can mix in get a ham steak cut into bite size pieces if you want to put meat in there.

Ukrops? That's a blast from the past -- you must be in Virginia, rainbaby.

Cookies. And brunch. We don't really do Christmas dinner, but Christmas brunch instead: usually a savory egg strata and muffins, scones, coffee cake, and mimosas.

For Christmas Eve, we go all Polish with pierogi (from the ladies in the parish, who sell them to raise money for the church) and golubki. The butter, melting in the pan for frying the pierogi, is such a welcoming smell.

So that is what I would do: Make myself a fancy brunch, and then cook a green pepper with an onion in a fry pan, add a kielbasa, then fry some pierogi in butter for dinner.

I hope the new year brings good things to you.

Hi Janet. My son(21) is coming over sometime Christmas Day, no idea when. I have an invite from a friend/co-worker in the neighborhood, but it's flexible

I've had a Christmas or 3 on my own. I can cook. My house is full of boxes, but it's cozy and has a great view. It's 5 minutes from Exit 53 off the Maine Turnpike. Would you consider coming to Windham for Christmas? We could watch movies. I would really love to have company.

I don't have a tree, but I can put some lights on some boxes.

Okay, here's an oddball one for you: Oyster Soup. I became accustomed to this as a Christmas thing in New Orleans, so for me it's verrrrry soothing, warming, comforting, and omg yummy, plus seasonal. But of course, oysters. Not everyone loves 'em.

See also here - many yummies.

but if you do oyster soup, you absolutely must to get oyster crackers. Must. Oh, man, now I really want oyster soup... I wonder if I can find oysters here?

Other things that are Christmas-y to me: corn pudding, squash casserole, rice dressing. Cranberry Jezebel sauce is great with poultry, pork, ham if you do any kind of meat thing.

{{{{{{JanetLand}}}}}}

I'm in Richmond, JanetLand - I know you used to be too, so I thought a little of the 'krop might fix you up.

Cheese souffle.

Shrimp cocktail.

Thank you everyone for the suggestions, and the sympathy. Some good ideas here -- the oyster soup sounds particularly promising. And theora55, thank you extremely much for the invitation. I'm afraid I have to decline, because I'm not very good company right now, but I really appreciate the thoughtfulness of the gesture. Bunnies are very nice people.

So I think you're looking for savory dinner recipes, but just in case you have a secret hankering for the best chewy gingerbread cookies EVER, here is the recipe. Seriously. Plus they make your house smell like spices and Christmas and pure deliciousness.

Maybe baking will be easier than cooking? Here's to hoping that you find some peace.