For all of you who go out for Christmas lunch .......

[catwithflowers]

I mean to a restaurant/nice pub etc as opposed to going out to another family member, can you please tell me why? I've never done this but my DB wants to as he wants everyone to be together (about 16) but no one has space or inclination to cater for a large party. It definitely won't be happening this year (have just seen the price - a whacking 55 quid per head WITHOUT booze - for essentially a Sunday roast ) but I know that next year the question may arise again.

My kids are also very anti 'going out' for Christmas lunch and feel it won't be the same. I kind of feel that way myself. Half the fun is wrapping sausages in bacon and moaning over the sprouts with Bing in the background

[girlywhirly]

I have never done it, but people who have are shocked at how much food they are expected to eat. Because they have paid for it, (even if they have loved every bit of it) there is the feeling that they should make the most of it, resulting in feeling very bloated, and sick, and reaching for the indigestion medicine.

I appreciate what your brother is trying to do, getting everyone together without the worry of where to seat everyone and do all the shopping, prep and cooking.

Why not have a meal all together, just not on Christmas day. Then individual families can have a modest Christmas meal at their own homes on the day itself. You can guarantee that prices are ramped up on that day, and it can be so much more expensive than making your own.

[pallymama]

We are going out this year for a big family meal, but tbf, DH has a big family. I'd love to have everyone round, but we simply don't have enough room for 24+ to stand, let alone sit down and eat. Because there's so many of us, we're having a room to ourselves, with a bit of space for the children to run about. I hadn't thought about the over-eating though. I wonder how embarassed DH will be if I start loading up my own doggy bag?

Next year, same as last year, we'll be with my side of the family, and we'll have a nice meal at home, complete with moaning over the sprouts. :)

[Catsu]

We always do. There are far too many of us to all fit in one house and be catered for and we want to all be together, it's the one day of the year that we do manage to get all of us in the same place at the same time (4 generations of family!)

[catwithflowers]

hmmm I can see where you are all coming from. This is exactly why my brother wanted us to go out and I think its a lovely idea to get extended family together but the cost was/is a huge factor for us. Even my parents who could afford to pay 55 quid each would much rather spend that on their grandchildren, on the garden or on a few nice days out.

I have decided to have a Boxing Day 'open house' and invite all family to pop along for (nice none of your Iceland crap ) buffet which I feel may solve the problem. Those of you with younger kids, are the kids happy to sit through the meal? My kids are older so not an issue but my DB's are 18 months and 4 so a different situation.

A big factor for me is that I like the preparation and would miss that if we went out. Plus I enjoy left-overs more than the dinner itself and can't imagine Christmas day evening without gorging on left over trifle and chipolatas [greedy pig emoticon]

[popelloucla]

We went out for Christmas lunch 2 years ago and are going out again this year. My parents pay for it all as our Christmas present. (Children still get presents)
It isn't my first choice, but it means everyone stays sat down for the whole meal. No popping into the kitchen for the next course, more drinks etc.
Last time my DDs were 2 and 5. There was a children's entertainer going round the tables between the courses. After the meal, the children went to see Father Christmas and got a present. When I asked if they wanted to go out this Christmas they immediately started to say how good it had been last time.
Last year I did Christmas at home for the in-laws. Despite the fact I could have a drink or five, I didn't enjoy it as much. (Disclaimer, this could be because Christmas doesn't feel right when I don't see my family)
Its not the same as being in someone's house, but it does allow large families too all eat together and there are no arguments over whose turn it is to do the washing up.
My Mum and Dad have said they will never have Christmas at home again.

[PeachyPossum]

We're going out this year. I am so grateful that someone else will do all the hard work. I get to spend the morning chilling with the kids & hubby, go for a good dinner (champers & 5 courses £70 a head) then home again to chill my boots :) I'm chuffed and looking forward to it!

We will get a huge gammon joint, and save roast leftovers in the freezer for boxing day cold meats & bubble :)

[pallymama]

DD will be two by Christmas. I really doubt that she'll manange to stay seated for the whole meal, but if I let her run about with her cousins to start with, and between courses, I'm hoping we'll make it through without tears. [hopeful naivety emoticon]

[eaglewings]

Friends in similar situation with large family hired the village hall to fit everyone in. Had decorations already for Christmas and a good kitchen. They had a great time and the kids were able to play with all their new toys

Not that I'm :)

[AngieWatts]

We've done it every other year for years. We got to a nice gastro pub and have a little routine for those years that we do this which is: Christmas morning as usual - breakfast, present opening, bubbly etc, then go for a long walk in a lovely park near the pub, followed by a drink in the bar area of the pub and then dinner in the restaurant. The food is excellent (although it's pricey) and it is lovely not having any washing up to do . We get a taxi home and then have our cosy Christmas evening in. Leftovers come from a big Christmas ham and roast veggies we have on Christmas Eve.

I have to say, I much prefer eating out to at home. It is relaxing and festive and you have more of a reason to dress up and be sociable.