Some sides can be changed up from time to time, adding accent to a traditional dish.

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"Unlike summer vegetables, best served simply, winter vegetables are ripe to deliver their complex layers of flavor at Christmas," said Christianne Barrow of ThymeSavers Catering and Personal Chef Services.

If you're serving smoked ham or turkey this year, try alternating Yukon potatoes, sweet potatoes and crisp Granny Smith apples for a slightly sweet gratin with a Gorgonzola cream, Barrow said.

In the south everyone likes black-eyed peas, lima beans and green beans, said Andi Holyfield, licensed nutritionist and registered dietitian.

Holyfield recommends steaming or sautéing vegetables; she sautés hers using butter alternative, mushrooms and onions.

"I keep things simple, I'm not a fancy cook who spends hours in the kitchen," Holyfield said.

For a sweet side or perhaps something to munch on hours after dinner when hunger hits again, white chocolate pretzels are not only fun, but can be healthy, Holyfield said.

"Use the Newman's pretzels; they're really healthy, have high fiber, high protein and they taste good," Holyfield said. "I melt Plymouth white almond bark in my microwave and coat the pretzels with them. You can put green and red sprinkles on while they're wet to make it Christmas-y."

Another sweet idea will also look great, and it's all about presentation, Holyfield said.

First, melt almond bark in a bowl, blow up a balloon and then dip the balloon in the almond bark.

"Put it in the fridge until the almond bark hardens," Holyfield said. "Pop the balloon and pull it out, and you have a chocolate bowl."

You can put ice cream, pudding or anything you wish in the chocolate bowl.

"Make it look pretty, put it on your china, and it just looks gorgeous," Holyfield said.

The main thing Young tries to remember this time of year is that the holidays don't have to be stressful.

"There are plenty of easy, inexpensive ways to entertain your guests without missing the festivities because you're tied to the kitchen," Young said.

Whether it's cooking early or organizing weeks in advance, less stress means more time to enjoy the delicious sides you've made with family and friends.

Broccoli and Rice Casserole

1 small chopped onion

1 pkg. frozen broccoli (thawed)

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 cup cooked rice

1 jar of Cheez Whiz (the recipe calls for a small jar, but we like our casserole cheesy, so we use the larger jar!)

Melt butter in skillet, add onion and sauté until clear. Add broccoli and stir. Add soup, stir and simmer several minutes. Add Cheez Whiz and mix well. Add rice, stir and simmer. Put in buttered casserole dish and cook in a 350-degree oven for 25 minutes. If you're in a hurry, you can pop it in the microwave, but it's really better if you can put it in the oven.

Bacon Mushroom Bites

2 tablespoons light Smart Balance spread

1 cup light sour cream

2 tablespoons chives, chopped

3 tablespoons low sodium bacon, minced

Sauté mushrooms in Smart Balance until tender. Add light sour cream and chives; stir to coat. Fill small ramekins with mushrooms and sour cream. Sprinkle with bacon. Pretty served on Wasa crackers.