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AIBU?

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Original poster

Aibu to stop this multiple Christmas day madness?

163 replies

Sugargliderwombat · 24/11/2024 12:49

So we have toddlers and babies in the family now, and we seem to be settling into a routine that I think is odd but wondering if IABU to basically stop the tradition from next year.

To account for multiple adults who work over Christmas (none of whom have children) we seem to have ended up doing 3 seperate Christmas days that cater for them. So my side I have to do boxing day, my OH side is Christmas eve and then Christmas day on our own. But instead of being them joining in with Christmas eve or boxing day we are doing 3 full bloody Christmases, that is madness going forwards, right?

OP posts:
dreamingofsun · 24/11/2024 13:01

our kids are older and dont work during the christmas period but have girlfriends/boyfriends so come and go a lot depending on whatever else they have to do

we run christmas as per usual - ie roast on christmas day, leftovers boxing day and then whoever is around joins in whatever is happening. if they miss the full on roast then so what, theres always loads of other nice food.

LoveIsLikeAFartIfYouHaveToPushItsUsuallyShit · 24/11/2024 12:59

Where I grew up (not UK) 3 days were norm like this. Because Christmas are 3 days. 1 day us, next day one side, next day second. Was grand. BUT we had different food! I still do 3 days of Christmas even when it's just DH and I.

AmberAnt · 24/11/2024 12:59

I would expect presents to be exchanged when you see family, but agree three full Christmas dinners is mad! You’re hosting on Boxing Day tho so why don’t you just do a buffet/soup and cold cuts/a curry/whatever you want?!

Comff · 24/11/2024 12:56

When you say ‘loads of presents for the kids’ are they having three lots of Santa gifts/stockings? Or are the family members buying lots of gifts for them from themselves? Have you tried guiding them in what to buy and telling them you have no space for a mountain of gifts?

CandlesOrangesRedribbon · 24/11/2024 12:56

Anything is possibly right and wrong. It's about what you want and what you can tolerate.
I'd be saying we've done our Xmas, happy to something like a buffet or bring something.

Original poster
Sugargliderwombat · 24/11/2024 12:56

Comff · 24/11/2024 12:54

Are you’re having three Christmas dinners in a row? I couldn’t do that. But otherwise if it’s just seeing family and sharing gifts and that seems ok?

Yep! I won't want another roast until next Christmas 😂

OP posts:
Original poster
Sugargliderwombat · 24/11/2024 12:54

Gimmeabreak2025 · 24/11/2024 12:53

who is hosting all of these days?

In laws Christmas eve, then ourselves boxing day. But there seems to be this expectation that it's a full on Christmas. Christmas dinner, loads of presents for the kids etc. Once kids are older is that normal? I find it really odd but maybe I'm wrong?

OP posts:
Comff · 24/11/2024 12:54

Are you’re having three Christmas dinners in a row? I couldn’t do that. But otherwise if it’s just seeing family and sharing gifts and that seems ok?

Womblewife · 24/11/2024 12:54

I wouldn’t do three days exactly the same. Christmas Eve and Boxing Day are celebrations of their own and your family should just join in with your plans.

Gimmeabreak2025 · 24/11/2024 12:53

who is hosting all of these days?

Original poster
Sugargliderwombat · 24/11/2024 12:53

ShamblesRock · 24/11/2024 12:52

Is that not fairly standard?

Though unless distance is an issue I would combine Christmas Day with one side.

That's my question :) is it standard once children believe in santa etc to do 3 Christmas dinners in a row? I didn't think it was.

And that's one of the issues - we can't combine because both sets of families have 1 person who is working.

OP posts:
ShamblesRock · 24/11/2024 12:52

Is that not fairly standard?

Though unless distance is an issue I would combine Christmas Day with one side.

TakeMe2Insanity · 24/11/2024 12:50

Why are you hosting each day?