Are we seriously two days away from Christmas? I feel less than prepared, only because of my travel situation.  I am flying to Columbus, Ohio this afternoon to spend the weekend visiting family, so I’m going to have to pack all of my gifts in extra suitcases. I didn’t wrap them just in case TSA throws a hissy fit, and honestly I’m not 100% sure all of it is allowed, (there was a major issue with a candle last year).  Needless to say, all of this unknown, unwrapped, unfinished business is giving me the heeby-jeebies.  Especially because I was totally done shopping on black Friday because I’m over prepared for almost everything in life. ANYWAY, amid all this stress that I know we’re all feeling, wouldn’t it be nice if you didn’t have to stress about dinner? Here are 8 of the most stress-free and simple holiday side dishes I’ve made. Consider the food part a walk in the park.

8 Stress-Free and Simple Holiday Side Dishes

1. Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes with Roasted Garlic

There is nothing more stressful than trying to wrangle whipping up mashed potatoes at the last second. Put them in the slow cooker and forget about it.

2. Whisky Glazed Baby Carrots with Thyme

Along with these being beyond gorgeous to look at, they’re a perfect last-minute addition to any holiday meal. 10 minutes and done.

3. Roasted and Blackened Garlic and Lemon Broccoli

The most delicious way to eat broccoli hands down. Chop it up, throw it in the oven, and eat. Easy.

4. Cranberry Sauce with Orange and Cinnamon

Another 10-minute wonder. This one has “holidays” written all over it.

5. Creamy Crockpot Butternut Squash Apple Soup

I’m seriously in love with anything that can be made in a slow cooker, and this soup is EVERYTHING good about winter. Spicy, warm, and flavorful. I never want to eat a holiday meal without this as a starter again.

6. Skinny Cheesy Broccoli Au Gratin Casserole

All the flavor, none of the heavy cream. Amen.

7. 10-Minute Parmesan Roasted Asparagus

Crispy and perfect and cheesy and wonderful. Yes, I’m talking about asparagus.

8. Parmesan Garlic Roasted Potatoes

Finally, no Christmas dinner would be complete without some type of potatoes. These are perfectly fluffy on the inside, crispy, salty, and herby on the outside.