Christmas Day- shift work

[minimammy]

My OH is working nightshift this year on Christmas Eve so won't get in until 10am ish. There is just us with a visit from my brother. Main course is usually handled by my OH. No one is going to want to cook but the restaurants are sooo expensive! What is the answer??? TIA

Could you do it?

A late dinner to give him chance to sleep, something easy to cook like a turkey crown and you can do prep work while he sleeps?

Eat something completely different and easier - what's your normal meal when your OH is working?

Get m&s pre prepared vegetables, potatoes etc and just stick a turkey in the oven if you eat it. It's not difficult at all. I really don't see your dilemma?

Erm, you do it?

Most obvious answer

seriously? Jeez
Can u manage beans on toast ?

Any reason that you can’t?

You cook while he sleeps?

Eat crap Christmas Day and have full dinner Boxing Day. Don’t iverstress for a bloody turkey, they don’t explode on Christmas night.

Is there a reason you can't do it? Or do you, along with everyone else, not want to cook?

If there aren't many of you then get a turkey breast. You can't go wrong with them.

Or just have a picky tea and have the dinner the next day?

Have Christmas Dinner on another day.

Why can you not do it? Or your brother?

Does he have Boxing Day off? If so cook Christmas dinner on Boxing Day. I quite like it as it’s spreads the fun.

Op, unless there is any specific reason preventing you from cooking, you should do it this year. I have done xmas for the last 20yrs, I don't enjoy it particularly but there is no one else. My dc's look forward to their big special meal on xmas day as part of their experience, so it's important I get it on the table! I cook the veg and stuffing a few weeks before and freeze it. I have a turkey crown I roast on the day , while I whip up a quick trifle and the rest comes out of the freezer and in the oven. Simples! Gordon Bennett buttercup, it's not rocket science!

There are 3 of you? A roast for 3 - is there a reason you and your brother can't cook it? Or just have something else. If you want a proper christmas dinner one of you will have to step up. It's not that hard!

Is there a huge drip feed that there are physical reasons why you and your brother can't do it?

I don't think I've perhaps explained it well. I was just meaning that in previous years he would have cooked the meat and sides while I prepped veg, starter and we usually have a homemade white chocolate cheesecake. I was looking for ideas of how other people organise their day if they are shift workers, while still being able to do the things the children want like opening packaging, setting up marble run and explaining new games. Thank you for answers.

I’d buy ready prepared this year for ease.

Thank you @PotteringAlong.
That could well be the way I think. I do still want to be able to make a fuss of the children with minimal kitchen time. We wondered about doing buffet things and going out for lunch the next day but I don't think it will feel the same.
I do like buffet though.🤔
To be fair I didn't think I would get the kind of responses here.

Thanks @Welshmaiden85

DH is working 7-3 on Christmas Day and I'm cooking for 10 people. I'll prep as far as possible in advance and stick to my timings. It's just a fancy roast.

I used to work nights, and we would always do the presents first thing, then I'd got to bed at around 11.30 for a kip, while DH got the dinner sorted (ready prepared everything included roasties and parsnips)

It is doable. But a buffet is perfectly acceptable and a lot less hassle.

Prep it all in advance and bung it in the oven. Keep it simple.
Buy pre-prepped from M&S.
Apparently you can even do the roasties in advance.

We often do a buffet at Christmas. We meet with all the in laws on Boxing Day for a meal and don’t always feel like it after over indulging in Christmas Day.
Buffet can be nice we buy everyone’s favourite things and have champagne.

How old are the children? Young enough to celebrate on boxing day without them knowing?