40-Day Christmas Challenge | Day 24 • Plan Your Perfect Holiday Menu • Everyday Cheapskate

The holidays are just around the corner, which means it’s time to start thinking about your menu plan. But don’t stress… this isn’t about fancy or expensive meals. It’s about being smart and intentional. Today, take a few minutes to match your holiday menus to the best grocery store sales. Think of it as a cheerful little treasure hunt where the prize is savings and sanity.

Start by checking your pantry and freezer to see what you already have, then make a list of what’s left to buy. You’ll stretch your budget, save time, and head into the holidays feeling organized instead of overwhelmed. Sounds like a win-win, right?

Day 24: Plan Your Perfect Holiday Menu

Today’s challenge is about planning smart… meals that feel festive without sending your budget into shock. Start by browsing your grocery store’s weekly sales and let those discounts guide your menu. If turkey or ham is marked down, go with it. No one’s grading you on presentation; they’ll remember the laughter, not the label.

Next, take inventory of what you already have on hand. You might discover enough canned green beans to feed a small village or that you’re just one bag of flour away from those perfect dinner rolls. Knowing what’s already in your kitchen helps you skip duplicate purchases and focus only on what’s needed.

Then, make your shopping list and look for coupons or cashback deals before you head out. A few extra minutes of prep can mean serious savings. Apps like Flipp make it easy to browse weekly ads and coupons in one place, while Ibotta and Fetch Rewards give you cash back just for scanning receipts. Prefer pen and paper? A simple list on the fridge works too. Old-school efficiency never goes out of style.

Action Step

Choose your holiday dishes based on current grocery store sales.
Check your pantry and freezer before buying more.
Make a list and look for coupons or cashback offers.
Start picking up sale items now to spread out the cost.

The holidays are all about celebration, family, and, of course, delicious food. But planning the perfect holiday meal doesn’t have to be stressful. I’ve created this Holiday Menu Planner to help you organize your festive feast with ease →

Need a little inspiration?

Here’s a roundup of reader-favorite holiday recipes to help you plan your menu with confidence:

Breakfast:

Appetizers / Snacks:

Side Dishes:

Main Dishes:

Beverages:

- Slow Cooker Mulled Cider

Desserts:

Why It Matters

Planning your holiday menu ahead of time saves money, stress, and last-minute grocery runs. Matching your meals to sales stretches your budget and gives you more breathing room for the moments that truly matter… laughter around the table, a cozy kitchen, and time well spent with the people you love.

More Ways to Participate in #EC40DayChallenge:

Question: How’s your menu planning going? Do you have a tried-and-true recipe that always makes an appearance on your holiday table? Share your tips or ask questions in the comments below.

Bonus: Ready to show off your holiday prep? Snap a picture of your grocery list, your sales finds, or even your recipe prep and share it in the private Facebook group using #EC40DayChallenge. Let’s swap ideas and keep each other inspired!