Set aside assumptions about what the holidays and holiday meals “have to” look like. Always felt that stuffing AND sweet potatoes AND mashed potatoes AND dinner rolls was a bit much? Now’s your chance to scale back, especially if you are cooking for fewer people this year. Are “holiday favorite” foods really your favorite foods? Who says you have to have turkey on Thanksgiving? Maybe you’d prefer Chinese takeout. One client and her husband, both retired, have a tradition of grilling a nice steak and opening a good bottle of wine on Christmas.