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Original poster

Do you have a Christmas dinner on Christmas Day? AIBU to politely decline

116 replies

unsureforevermore · 17/12/2025 21:41

We always do and to be honest the kids very much look forward to it! We’ve been invited to the in-laws this Christmas however I’ve just discovered that they are doing a hot and cold buffet!!
This is not what I signed up for hahaha I had reached out to offer to do starters or veg etc or roasties etc and been told it’s ok no need it’s a buffet.

AIBU to decline now??

OP posts:
Whereismyfleeceblanket · 17/12/2025 22:05

Doing less buffet hardly needs a week's notice!! Tell them you'll pop over Boxing day for any buffet leftovers... But you're making Christmas dinner for Christmas day at home.
They take a huff so be it.
Its called Chrismas dinner not Christmas buffet.

Songlines · 17/12/2025 22:05

Run30 · 17/12/2025 22:00

How about you do roast turkey at tea time on Christmas Eve?
You can then have left over cold turkey on Boxing Day

Came on to suggest this.
Have you already started your food shopping?
I'd be gutted, too, so I'd look for a way to manage both (not on the same day, obviously)

HatKat · 17/12/2025 22:01

Cantthinkofadifferentname · 17/12/2025 21:56

I don't cook Christmas dinner now, we have roast most weeks and I'd rather spend time with DH and DCs on Christmas day, so we have whatever they want that's easy to cook. I’ve cooked for up to 17 in the past, but a full on Christmas dinner for 4, nah.

This! I decided to stop making christmas dinner 2 years ago and we had the most relaxed, lovely day with our toddler. Watching her play all day, we had picky bits and grazed all afternoon. Can't wait to do it all again next week!

Run30 · 17/12/2025 22:00

How about you do roast turkey at tea time on Christmas Eve?
You can then have left over cold turkey on Boxing Day

Cantthinkofadifferentname · 17/12/2025 21:56

I don't cook Christmas dinner now, we have roast most weeks and I'd rather spend time with DH and DCs on Christmas day, so we have whatever they want that's easy to cook. I’ve cooked for up to 17 in the past, but a full on Christmas dinner for 4, nah.

Original poster
unsureforevermore · 17/12/2025 21:55

I know planning hasn’t started purely because was only decided 2 days ago we had invited them here for dinner but as it meant mother in law choosing between which of her children's to go to she’s said she’ll host for everyone

I’m not sure about Boxing Day Xmas dinner but maybe it’s a good shout but I’m not gonna lie I’m gutted!

OP posts:
Daisywhatsyouranswer · 17/12/2025 21:49

Could be a nice buffet and you can make Xmas dinner on Xmas eve ir Boxing Day, no biggie surely.

NotAnotherScarf · 17/12/2025 21:47

We have chips because we can't be arsed. It's up to you, will it be a substantial buffet or here's 10 sausage rolls, a couple of ropey chicken legs and five minutes later it whipped away for "in the week". Yes I do have some cheapskate friends.

PumpkinPie2016 · 17/12/2025 21:46

I'd be disappointed with no Christmas roast, but could you do your own on Christmas eve or boxing day?

I wouldn't cancel now as they will have started planning.

IndigoIsMyFavouriteColour · 17/12/2025 21:44

Do a roast on a different day? That way you can enjoy what I’m sure will be a fabulous buffet but still get your Christmas dinner fix

Dliplop · 17/12/2025 21:44

I’d do my own the next day. If anyone hosting us misses an important thing I do it for myself between Christmas and New Year

Dartmoorcheffy · 17/12/2025 21:44

As long as its a good buffet i would be happy

ExitPursuedByABare · 17/12/2025 21:44

What madness is this?

Dozer · 17/12/2025 21:44

YABU to pull out now if you’ve already accepted. It’s only food. I love food, including roast lunch, but it’s easy to make a big meal any weekend.

Zapx · 17/12/2025 21:43

Seems a bit extreme - could you do Christmas dinner yourself on Boxing Day?

workdilemma123abc · 17/12/2025 21:43

oh gosh, I hate to admit but I’d be gutted 😂

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