The Christmas season can be one full of pressure and demands, all of which a busy Jamaican may not be able to meet. One of the major demands of the holiday season is cooking the Christmas dinner with multiple meat kinds, accompanying sides and not to mention the clean-up at the end of the day.

Considering the demands, not cooking could be the perfect present to gift one’s self for Christmas. But where will the delicious Christmas dinner come from if you don’t cook?

Observer Online has you covered. Here are eight places you could get the benefits of a Christmas dinner with little to none of the responsibilities.

Family— Nothing beats visiting family for the holidays— to reminisce, and spend time with those you have not seen in years. Sitting for that Christmas family dinner feels just right, especially when you get there in time to greet and catch up with loved ones, before sitting down to a scrumptious and filling dinner with all the trimmings. What’s more is that you leave just before clean-up with your plastic container full of leftovers for dinner on Boxing Day.

Friend— For those whose families live far away, and they won’t be able to visit home this Christmas, there are still options for you. That one close friend will happily have you over so you won’t be alone this holiday season, and ensure that you are fed a good and delicious Christmas dinner. However, ensure that you are good company so you can be invited again next year.

Partner— Spending Christmas with your partner and their family is also a good way to get dinner without having to cook. Impressing them will also almost guarantee that you have an invite for Christmas 2025. However, there is a catch: meeting your partner’s family at Christmas signals that you are serious about this relationship so be sure you are ready for those demands before using this option.

Lover— Having your lover on the side bring you Christmas dinner is also an option, however there are dangers associated with this choice as it may send a message of commitment that you are not yet ready to give.

Restaurant— There is also the option of throwing money at the problem and visiting a restaurant for Christmas dinner. Many restaurants typically have a set menu Christmas Day with appetizers, main course and dessert being offered. This way you will be aware of your options beforehand and the associated price. Going to a restaurant for Christmas means you will be dining in a place with a cheerful ambiance, and there may be some entertainment.

Cater— However, if you do not want to go out to eat, you can also cater Christmas dinner this year. Restaurants that offer catering services usually offer packages with various options including meat options (often three meat kinds including ham) and the much-loved Christmas dinner sides. With the food delivered, and served on disposable plates, the family will be well-fed and there is no clean-up.

Hotel— Booking a hotel stay for the holidays has a double benefit of providing rest and relaxation for the busy and, frankly, tired Jamaican where all meals will be provided. However, if you don’t want the expense of a stay but still want the benefit of not cooking, hotels like the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel is the place to be. It is already known to be a favourite Sunday brunch spot, and on Christmas Day, the hotel will be offering breakfast (6:30am – 10:30am); brunch buffet (11:00am– 4:00pm) with over 70 decadent options, a welcome drink, as well as prizes and giveaways; and dinner buffet (6:00pm – 10:30pm).

KFC— KFC, Jamaica’s other ‘national dish’, always has you covered on days when you are not in the mood to stand around a stove. The same is true for Christmas with the KFC Festive Feast. This year is extra special as the fast food outlet is currently running its 12 Days of Festive Feast campaign where social media followers can win a festive feast by following simple steps. It can also be shared with other family members as the meal includes 12 pieces of chicken, one family fries, three coleslaws, three mashed potatoes, a two litre drink and four of the new dessert biscuits made with strawberry, cherry or pineapple fruit filling and drizzled with condensed milk.