Alternative christmas dinner

[Laf90]

Hi all, it's my year to work on christmas day. 4 of us, only have access to a microwave. We will be busy but should be able to get together for lunch. Nothing picky as we won't be there for a long period to 'pick'. We're working 8-20.00 so something reasonably substantial and that I can make or cook the evening before. Any ideas?

Oh God, that's a tricky one. Are you wanting a hot meal? Some kind of really nice casserole type thing you can just heat up, and have with a nice crusty loaf? Coq au Vin or a beef bourginon - or maybe a game casserole - venison or pheasant maybe? To make it a bit special. If everyone eats meat, that is .....

More of a buffet style lunch sounds ideal, with you all bringing a few bits, but you say there will be no time to pick....

Bring crackers - that will inject a bit of festivity....

Sorry you all have to work - and THANK YOU. (I am assuming you are in an industry from which the general public benefit in some way, or you most likely wouldn't be working Christmas). I do also think your colleagues are lucky to have you catering for them so thoughtfully.

My family broke the mould a few years ago (too many young children to bother with full roast) instead we did a full Indian buffet. Those that felt able to cook, made a dish, the others bought bits in. It's good for reheating via microwave or eating things chilled.

We had, homemade bahjis, mango chutney and mango lassi, biryani, korma and a big pile of fried rice. My cousin learned to make nann from scratch, I did the bahjis at home and brought them in cold (shockingly simple to make). It was possibly the best Christmas meal we've had, don't know why we don't do it again!? Tbh.

What about a honey roast ham plus other ploughman’s bits. That was you can eat together but also pick during the da.

Do a special casserole, venison or wagu. Or duck/turkey fried rice (with sides/Naan. My DD orders a Costco cake for work.

My go to is

chunks of pumpkin parboiled. Allow to cool a bit and slice.
Make an Italian tomato sauce or use a good bottle.
Layer pumpkin and tomato sauce like lasagne, adding bits of bacon, hot salami or Greek feta for a salt hit.

Top with cheese and breadcrumbs. Into the oven until brown and bubbling.
Keeps well, freezes well, reheats well.

Take a slow cooker in so it stays hot.