Does anyone want to chat about a nice, calm, no-drama Christmas?

[JohnnyMcGrathSaysFuckOff]

I know a lot of people find Christmas difficult, and I am sorry for that, but this is a thread for anyone who's just enjoying and looking forward to it!

The kids decorated the house last weekend with paper chains, I finished wrapping all the presents on Weds, DH braved the supermarket today and managed to get everything.... so all we need to do is relax and some very amateur home baking!

Anyone else just feeling happy, relaxed and ready for a fun Christmas?

Christmas Eve DH worked from home until about 4, I went to work until lunchtime. DS2 was at his GF until the afternoon and DS2 was just hanging about and gaming with his friends. We had a picky tea and played board games until midnight.

This morning we had to get up at around 7 to fit everything in but we had a nice chilled opening of presents, everyone seemed happy with what they got. We went to visit PIL for an hour or so and then DS1 went to his GFs Grans for lunch.

The three of us had a nice chilled lunch that DH cooked, the turkey was cooked yesterday so no real stress just some pigs in blankets, stuffing balls and veggies to cook.

We were meant to have some sort of gingerbread and chocolate moose thing that DH got from ASDA for dessert (no one likes Christmas pudding or cake) but it wasn't until after we ate lunch we realized it was supposed to be defrosted for 5.5 hrs before eating. So we ate churros instead (maybe a new tradition as they were delicious).

Now just hanging about watching Christmas specials and waiting for DS1 to call to get picked up. He drove over but has already rang to ask for a lift later which is fine by me and I don't drink and I have told him I will pick him up from anywhere at anytime.

Merry Christmas all! Our Christmas is always hectic as we have lots of kids and pets😂 but it was lovely. We had a very busy day visiting family yesterday so today has just been chill, the DC are having a nap after waking up at 4:30 this morning and I’m settling down with one of my new book. It’s been a brilliant Christmas.

Smooth sailing here. My kids are 20 and 22, son took the dog out early (he’s always been an early bird) and my DD didn’t come down til noon, so he and I had french toast and bacon for breakfast. DD is in charge of the main meal and will only call me back (we have been banished from the kitchen) to set the table and make the bread sauce. I think son is taking a nap next door to me - I’m sharing my bed with the dog listening to Christmas jazz. No drama at all!

I’m at my parents house. DB is at his in-laws at the other side of the country with his DC.

Seeing my boyfriend I think day after Boxing Day.

We’ve had a wonderfully chilled day so far. The kids didn’t come down until 10/11ish and opened their presents and then we have just hung out and eaten snacks all day. Husband is just about to serve up the Christmas dinner and after that we will play board games into the night

Lovely chilled day here too! Just me and DH, breakfast in bed then opened presents, a few phone calls to family and out for a seaside walk.
Dinner in oven, trifle made and one bottle of Cremant down, bliss 😊

No drama here either.

DH cooking the dinner, kids upstairs with their new stuff, im on the prosecco watching tv and dogs are snoozing by the Christmas tree.

Merry Christmas everyone

Been lovely, we woke up, had quesadillas for breakfast, opened the presents and have spent the day playing with our new stuff, watching Xmas films, picking at party food which gets sporadically bunged in the oven when we fancy it and lounging about in PJs. Will be putting fresh breadsticks and a Camembert in the oven in a bit and watching call the midwife tonight.

This is one of my favourite Christmasses so far! Haven't had to deal with travelling to stay with family, or the stress of having visitors. It's just me and the cats, and a friend popped over for lunch earlier. We had roast duck with all the trimmings and Christmas pudding for dessert. Was lush!

A lovely calm, happy Christmas here. I miss DH immensely, his last Christmas on this earth was hellish and I have struggled with Christmas since he died three years ago but this one was OK. My ex husband came to lunch, my little fostered one has been calm and settled all day and, although his disability means he has no idea what Christmas is all about I think he's had a lovely day too. I had quick chats with both of my adult birth children and have had presents and lovely photos from the celebrations of my previous foster children. At 6 I am going to put my little one to bed then pour myself a glass of something before settling down to watch something on TV.

Lovely thread!
Peaceful chilled day here. Just me and my husband and dog. Leisurely day with presents, cooking and wine. We ate Xmas dinner about 4pm.
I don’t always look forward to Xmas as lost both my parents over this time in recent years but the build up felt worse - today has actually been nice and relaxing.
I’m working tomorrow morning (only 9-1.30) then we’re out with husband’s parents for lunch which will be lovely.
Happy Christmas all. 😊

I laughed cynically when I saw this thread the other day because we always end up shouting at each other. But no! It's been really calm and lovely!

I know there are a few hours left, so I shouldn't jinx things, but aside from DC1 shouting that Christmas dinner is "gross" about 40 times, and DC2 peeing on the floor, it's been very pleasant. Both kids were happy with their presents and said thank you without prompting and nobody has had a meltdown so far, not even me.

I genuinely don’t know or understand the ‘Christmas argument’ trope. My family and I truly love each other. We don’t row or fall out. There’s no drama. It’s just peaceful and harmonious.

My favourite time of the year!

Had the most lovely chilled couple of days. Feel blessed 🎄🎅🙏🥂

Lovely to see happy posts here.

I was a bit frazzled earlier in the week but everything seemed more relaxed by Christmas Eve afternoon. Presents wrapped, informal help yourself dinner (we're hosting) , midnight Mass and a slow pace start to the day. Teenage children didn't get up till around 8.30. Stockings opened, family breakfast, unwrapped presents then DH took those who wanted to go on a walk along the canal footpath. That meant that I did all the cooking, table settings etc but that was fine. Christmas music in the background, kitchen wasn't crowded, and when family and guests returned it all looked under control. Half an hour earlier and it would have been chaos! Took a break after the main course before dessert and played games, watched a film, settled in next to the fire. Hopefully happy memories all round.