5 Make-Ahead Breakfasts for a Relaxing Christmas Morning

“Mom! Dad! Get Up! Santa came!”

That wakeup call is a fairly universal Christmas morning ritual for parents everywhere. Yes, there are shining eyes and excited faces. But that doesn’t completely make up for the fact that for many moms and dads, youthful enthusiasm means they begin the year’s biggest holiday before the sun even peeks above the horizon.

When you’re under the age of 10, the lure of a tree surrounded by presents is too much to resist, and most parents are lucky if they have time to grab a quick cup of coffee before the furor of unwrapping gets underway.

A big morning meal can help mitigate that sleepy fog, which is probably why family breakfast is a Christmas Day tradition. This year, don’t settle for cold cereal—try some of our most-loved make-ahead breakfasts for a healthier and tastier holiday meal!

1. Carrot Cake Oatmeal Bake

Like carrot-spice cake, but healthified! Simply make this tasty twist on baked oatmeal the night before, let it sit overnight in the fridge, then pop it in the oven for steamy, spice-filled oatmeal ready to fuel unwrapping.

2. Homemade Cherry Pop-Tarts

Want to be everyone’s favorite come Christmas morning? These homemade pop-tarts will do the trick. Make them the night before and store them in the freezer to make dough even more more puffy and buttery. Just make sure you increase baking time (those suckers have to defrost) and add the egg wash right before they head into the oven.

3. Gluten-Free Blueberry Muffins

These gluten-free muffins are in our breakfast hall of fame—everyone can enjoy these Paleo and grain-free baked goods. Make the night before and toast in the morning with a slather of coconut oil for a perfectly balanced morning breakfast.

4. Superfood Breakfast Cookies

These nutritious cookies aren’t the same as the plate you probably left for Santa the night before. This batch is loaded with superfoods like ginger, goji berries, and pepitas that will give your family plenty of energy—without the sugar rush.

5. Sweet Potato Spanish Omelet

A Paleo-friendly take on a traditional tortilla española—or Spanish tortilla—is a simple omelet made with caramelized onions and potatoes. Here, we’ve upped the flavor quotient by using sweet potatoes and adding a medley of spices. Roast the sweet potatoes the night before to make things quick and easy in the morning!

Photo credit: Paul Delmont