Ok, so what else is there???

[anonEnormousJuicybird]

Having a fairly small Christmas, just the four of us plus PIL's (who are great and easy company) so it is very uncomplicated, but I want still to make it nice. Had a minor panic earlier that I haven't really done enough.

So, what have I forgotten/what else can I easily (and cheaply) do to enhance the day a bit?

The tree and our lights are up. Advent calendars well under way. Children unbelievably excited. Presents are all bought. So the scene is set...

Out for dinner en masse Christmas Eve. Sorted.

On the day itself, we are having small breakfast, light lunch and then main meal in the early evening. All of which is either ordered or got. We aren't cake or christmas pudding people, I am just going to make some mince pie rolls.

Plenty of wine and beer, sherry and cava.

Pretty candles, christmassy table decs and napkins.

It just feels a bit "bare bones", but I haven't the time or the money to go too mad on much else.

Boxing Day - no plans, though PIL's are heading off, so no need to do a full on catering job. Just munch on some leftovers, go for a walk and watch some TV...

Have I gone too minimalist or does that all sound ok?!

[ATruthFestivelyAcknowledged]

Sounds perfect! Can I come?

All I've added to your list is a carol service on Christmas Eve, walk for Christmas Day (though you obviously don't actually have to do anything for that!) and a pile of board games. You've got to have board games at Christmas haven't you?

[ATruthFestivelyAcknowledged]

Oh, and all I've bought for Boxing Day are some of those part baked rolls so that we can make leftover sandwiches. Yummy.

[SingingSands]

Your family around you and a meal on the table.

Perfick!

[BellaVita]

Sounds lovely.

[JingleyBalls]

Bottle of schloer for the DC so they can have something fizzy to drink?

[DressDownFriday]

What about the snow

Looks like you've got it all covered - plenty of food and drink

We always throw in a few games / quizes.

[VoldemortsNipple]

It sounds lovely. It's the company you share that makes the day special, and of everybody is easy going like you say I'm sure you will have a lovely day.

You could plan in a nice walk or church service to break the day up and maybe finish the evening with a game of give us a clue, or get the dcs to do a little play or sing some carols.

Also, why don't you give your PILs a ring and ask them if there is anything they like to do at Christmas and include that into your day.

[Marne]

Sounds perfect, i wish my christmas was that un-complicated , hope you have a lovely christmas xx

[anonEnormousJuicybird]

Carol service - well, we are carol singing all together tomorrow night for the "village event"..... and a walk will definitely take place during Christmas Day.

Board games - of course - definitely. We have loads as DD is a board game addict!

Jingleyballs - Something fizzy for the DC to drink - oh grief, that is just so the thing I have indeed forgotten. Big treat to have lemonade or similar (and Schloer just takes me back to my childhood, so it might just have to be some of that!) so that is on the "last minute shop list". Phew. thanks. I'd have been kicking myself not to have a treat drink in for them.

par cooked rolls - again, a very good call!

Thanks all.

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

Nice pickles and some cheese, to go with the leftovers on Boxing Day?
Crackers? Although we're not bothering this year.
Lots of clementines and orange juice? :)
Icing sugar to make Santa's footprints?

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

Plenty of loo roll?

[anonEnormousJuicybird]

PIL are bringing cheese and crackers, and also Christmas Crackers!

Juice and clementines are on the last minute stock shop list.....

Something for santa! Oh yes, must make sure we are armed for that.

Am so glad I asked the question, these last few ideas are just what I was after!