The holidays are a nightmare for picky eaters. For almost 23 years, I have suffered silently through the pain of family meals, trading the variety of casseroles and mass amounts of mystery meat for little more than bread and Jello. I have spent a majority of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day hungry, and I have left family gatherings for McDonalds only to find the drive-thru windows empty.
In my personal quest for edible holiday recipes, all results have pointed me to sites dedicated to helping parents feed their stubborn children. Contrary to popular belief, however, there are a myriad of grown adults just like me who also have limited taste palates. (In fact, one resource I found attempts to argue that these people, myself included, actually suffer from an illness called “selective eating disorder” or S.E.D.  Only in America.)
If you, like me, suffer from this unfortunate and burdensome disease, a variety of treatments are available to help you make it through this particularly difficult time of year. Be careful, however—side effects can include bloating, gas, lethargy, unwillingness to share, lack of leftovers and a general feeling of fullness.

1. The Main Event – For those unaffected by “selective eating disorder,” choosing the main dish for holiday meals is essentially a no-brainer. Turkey is typically reserved for Thanksgiving, while duck, goose, ham, or beef is generally served on Christmas. However, if you, like me, cannot stand the sight, scent, or texture of mass quantities of pre-cooked meat, there are more appealing options. You can try a homemade holiday pizza, with a unique blend of toppings for a special seasonal flavor. To make your pizza exceptional, top it with items such as grilled chicken or even pasta. If pizza isn’t your forte, baked chicken breasts are a delicious alternative to the norm. As opposed to turkey or pot roast, they are both easier and quicker to make, and are much more aesthetically pleasing. Add garlic salt, lemon pepper, and your own variety of spices for a flavorful twist. The cold weather also makes this the perfect time for warm dishes. Consider making a pot of your family’s famous stew, soup, or chili instead of filling, heavy meats.
2. The Side Show – Side dishes are the second most important part of a holiday meal. Casseroles of every variety have stolen the show in this arena, creating a living hell for me and others living with S.E.D. Not only are the ingredients virtually unrecognizable, but the scent and texture of some are often enough to almost induce nausea. Therefore, when searching for more appealing side dishes for yourself or the picky eaters in your family, stick to the tried and true. My own personal favorite is homemade French or sweet potato fries. Contrary to popular belief, these items are not reserved for the drive thru. With little to no effort and one bag of potatoes, you can turn a fast food favorite into a gourmet feast. Another idea is to buy fresh-cut vegetables and make a homemade vegetable medley. If you are feeling extra adventurous, you could also opt for stuffed peppers or mushrooms.
3. The Grand Finale – While I have personally never had an issue with holiday deserts (It is the one area of the meal where my family caters specifically to my interest—chocolate pie.), there are many people who do. Pumpkin, apple, and pecan pies are some of the least appetizing dishes around, and their scheduled appearance between the months of November and December make them hard to ignore. Instead of going for the obvious choice this holiday season, try something different. Consider having an ice cream sundae bar, where your family can choose between a variety of different flavors and toppings. If you have a fireplace, another good idea is to make s’mores. Rather than serving the same old seasonal desserts, put an exciting and unexpected twist on old favorites. You will be sure to please a variety of different palates.

Alex Chrum currently writes for a number of sites, including LaserPrinters.com, SteelPots.com and Juggle.com.