Liked Christmas this year - how to manage next?

[ThePricklySheep]

Thinking about it while the memory is fresh!

It was so nice this year just us.

We normally have a family member who means well but needs entertaining. Also is pretty passive aggressive about things being done certain ways, like when and what we eat, but if we bring it up it’ll be a big martyred fuss for ever more.

This person could go somewhere else, but nowhere that has children and they probably feel it’s nicer to be around children, so chooses to come to us. The problem is that my children have a nicer time when they aren’t there, because there’s both me and DH who can help with Lego, look at what they’re doing, rather than one having to talk to the guest. It also is a bit less tense as everyone has to tiptoe a bit.
They also aren’t up for a walk or anything which doesn’t help our day really as we kind of like a breath of fresh air.

So what do I do? We could have them for a bit, but how do I make it clear I’d like them to eat lunch and then go soon after? Evening is not great as they tend to get a bit arsey after wine.

I dunno. Am I just being a cow?

Next year, would you be able to say things like 'we found it better last year when we went for a walk. You are welcome to join us, or you can stay in the house with the TV. we'll be gone about an hour'

Drive them home at 4:30pm?

Whose parent / aunt is it ?

Mine

Yes that works fine with the walk.

How can I tell them I’ll be giving them a lift at 4.30pm though? Argh.

Just tell them like you've done here. "I'll drop you home about 4:30pm."

I don't know. How about 'Would you like to come for Christmas Day? DH will pick you up at 10am, and then drop you home after afternoon tea, about 4:30 or so. Sorry it can't be longer but we found last year that the DC got really over tired after that time so it's best to err on the side of caution this year.'

Have them over but for a day between Xmas and new year. Reclaim Xmas day as yours

You have another year to worry about this op!
There are absolutely no guarantees over the next year, that any this will change or go away, please dont comcern yourself too much with next year yet!

Wait and see what happens. However, if its still a concern - upfront, brutal honestly is the best way to go, IMO

Hi would you like to join us for lunch, we’ll pick you up at 11.30. We’re going to go for a walk from about to 3-4 and will drop you back when we get back from our walk at about 4.30.

I’ve really liked this year too. It’s so much more relaxed without the travelling, the kids getting used to different houses, different rules. We’ve eaten less, been more active... it’s been lovely!