Christmas day schedule???

[MadameJ]

So I'm hosting Christmas lunch this year and had planned to do lunch for about 1 as that fits in with my young dc. However sil has said this time doesn't suit her dd as she usually eats at 12 and naps at 1. I think as I'm hosting I should be able to say when lunch is and serving at 12 will just put me under more pressure. Dh thinks I should change plans to suit sil and dn.
Whats people's thoughts on this as I can't work out if I'm just being stubborn or if I have a genuine point

[LuckyLopez]

12.30pm?

[currieaddict]

Go with your own schedule but why not do soup at 12 as a starter and then mains at 3 once the child is up again?

[tryingtocatchthewind]

I'd tell her you'll try and get as close to 12 as possible. In my experience Xmas dinner always takes longer so you'll end up eating around 12:30-45pm

[3pigsinblanketsandasausagerole]

Do most people not have Christmas lunch in the afternoon? Like 4 or so? Or is this just me
I would not be ready for Christmas dinner at 12pm

[currieaddict]

12 in my house is too early as well and there are only 3 of us! I'd end up being in the kitchen all morning rather than watching presents being opened and played with.

[PesoPenguin]

It's Christmas Day! Surely she can be flexible for one day. Even if you serve lunch at 12, you're unlikely to be finished by 1 so her nap will be late anyway. How old his her dd?

Mind you, you say you're serving lunch at 1 to fit in with your dc so she may feel like you're putting your childrens' needs before hers.

[PureMorning]

Id just say 12ish then carry on with my own schedule.

Things never run to time on Christmas anyway

[WipsGlitter]

Let her dd eat at 12 and nap as usual. While it would be nice for her to be at the table with the rest if you how much of a full Christmas dinner is she likely to actually eat?!

12 is really early for Christmas dinner.

[ilovehotsauce]

We use to serve at 1pm, last year we served at 3pm and it made everything so much easier prep, oven space, snacking all evening.
I think this year will be the same I will do a brunch/light lunch for 11.30/12, at 3pm no starter Christmas dinner then cold pudding, in the evening we'll have picky bits then hot pudding.

[MadameJ]

Dn is 2 and I have 1 older and 1 younger. I suppose I have put my dc needs first but I think the problem is I don't have the best relationship with sil and if I'm honest I'm not thrilled she is coming!!
I think I will say that I will try to serve starters at 12 and then she can decide whether to put dn down after that or keep her up for main course.

[ilovelamp82]

12:30. Compromise. Sorted :)

[katienana]

12 is too early, my ds usually eats lunch at 12 but I wouldn't expect other people to eat then. offer a big morning snack to push her through or suggest sil give her a sandwich at 12 and get dn down for her nap so she misses dinner. you could plate up and reheat for her teatime.

[MrsLindor]

How old his your dn? Is she likely to sit and eat turkey and all the trimmings anyway?

[Homebirthquestion]

Just tell her of course you'll serve at 12 and then do it when you're ready.

[Littlemousewithcloggson]

When mine were that young we did Christmas day in reverse to how we do now. Lunch was light buffet - salad, meat, sausage rolls etc. All "picky stuff" so they could eat at 12 and still sleep/play. We then had Christmas dinner as an evening meal around 5ish. Meant I got to watch all presents opened and could cook when they were playing or napping. Would really recommend it as it was very stress free!

[Littlemousewithcloggson]

Also, although I don't think you should give in to your relative, do you really want an over tired tearful 2 year old at the lunch table?!!

[MadameJ]

All good points, I think I will make these suggestions and see what sil thinks, however I have a feeling she will still want full lunch on the table for 12

[MsAspreyDiamonds]

As a mum of a 3 & 5 year old, I would have grabbed the opportunity to give my kids an early lunch so I could eat mine in peace while they were asleep.

[Stillwishihadabs]

As if things run to time on Xmas day anyway ! I would do the main meal at 4ish. Lo might well have been up since 5 so need to nap earlier than usual.

[FishWithABicycle]

12 is far too early.

Either have small people served separately (turkey twizzlers, chips & peas or similarly easy) at 11.30 and the grownups eats while they have their afternoon nap

Or do a Christmas brunch for all at 11ish (which can be a slightly early lunch for the tinies) and full Christmas meal for all at 4ish.

[Ladymoods]

I suppose telling her to piss off is out of the question?

[PunkrockerGirl]

That's precisely what I thought, Ladymoods

[MadameJ]

#ladymoods# I am so tempted as she winds me up at the best of times and she has honestly made so many comments that I honestly would prefer her not to be here!! She actually said yesterday "we do not allow ####### to have salt in her food" well actually I don't add salt anyway

[Waitingonasunnyday]

MadameJ I will think of you biting your tongue with your SIL as I do the same with mine!!

The clocks change soon. Could you suggest she could think ahead and use this to adjust DN's nap schedule??? Mwhahahaha. Or has she got Greenwich to scrap it as it doesn't suit her?...

[hairymonkey]

Dinner at 5 is good, it's dark and you can make it all sparkly and pretty, most kids are used to eating tea at this time, there's no rush or worry about nap time, and no one passes out on the sofa at 2pm and wakes up in a strop.

Dinner in the afternoon is the only way I reckon.