It’s a Christmas one!

[snowingonchristmasday]

Some family members invited themselves to visit over Christmas, we’ll be eating out for Christmas lunch. However they’ve said they will come and spend the rest of the day/evening with me and my son. I’m a single parent and am feeling quite stressed about what they’re expecting, obviously they will need to eat/drink but I really can’t afford to cater. I don’t drink alcohol myself so don’t have any at home. Any suggestions on how I can approach this without causing any upset?

You say that they "invited themselves to visit".
My first question is do you want them in your home on Christmas Day?

If not then nip it in the bud right now and let them know you're not open for visitors on Christmas Day. Explain you've got plans for a quiet Christmas just you and your son and don't let them talk you into changing your mind.

OTOH, if you'd welcome visitors you will need to provide some form of food/nibbles and also pre-warn them that there will be no alcohol in the house so, if coming, they bring their own.

Catering for others can be very expensive so it's best to be upfront and let them know exactly what they can expect if they do visit.

And don't be embarrassed to say you can't afford to buy much in, by being honest it should prevent them from try to persuade you to spend more on their food and drink choices.

Ultimately you need to do whatever is best for you and your son. People who invite themselves are just plain rude!

Just say you are eating out. Let them know that and they should realise they won't be offered food

Well if you're going out for a Christmas meal I would explain that you don't know how long it will be for? Is it one of those where they have about 5 courses? Maybe better if they came for the evening then you could just supply nibbles and a few drinks. How many are visiting?

I think you need to tell them you can't invite them over.

Who are these relatives? It's very rude to invite themselves!

I think you need to tell them you can't invite them over.

Who are these relatives? It's very rude to invite themselves!

You could uninvite these rude relatives! Or if you're resigned to them coming, tell them that since you're going out for your Christmas lunch you're not preparing to do any hosting. Tell them to bring a bottle and some nibbly bits to bung in the oven. If they don't fancy that, then they don't have to come