To wonder what we are going to do Christmas Day?

[AuntieMeemz]

After years and years of putting up with awful in laws, I have finally stuck to my guns and said we can't go this year. We have always gathered with the (dsyfunctional in law) family even though it leaves us drained and frustrated. Now I'm wondering how nice it will be just DH,DS (11) and DD (8). We will be at home for about 6 days. Usually, we are so busy, and we like it that way.
Anyone got any good ideas/thoughts?

I never understand this. How can you find it so hard to fill time?

Have family meals. Go for a long walk. Play monopoly or Go Fish or any other game you have/know. Watch films. Have a family playstation tournament (maybe that's just us). Have lie in's, talk, take the kids to play football/tennis/whatever they enjoy.

Volunteer in a soup kitchen
Go for nice walks all wrapped up in big coats
Visit other family members/friends
Visit Christmas markets/boxing day sales

we made the decision a couple of years ago to have Christmas day just the 5 of us.
We open stocking presents first thing, gradually open presents and play with things and then have a big posh brunch, smoked salmon and eggs, or big fry up kind of thing. Enjoy the toys/ watch new DVD's etc. Go for a walk. Have a 'party tea' with all the food we have fancied from the tv adverts(!!) Then little one in bed, big ones usually retreat to their rooms, wine and crappy tv for the grown ups!

We see extended family over the few days before and after, and this may or may not include a Christmas dinner

Christmas day at home - get new jammies for everyone so you can stay in them - lots of lovely food, christmas music, buy at least one board game for the DCs you can all play together. Plan lots for the days before and after, but keep Christmas day quiet at home.

Boxing Day - walk and picnic? Any pantos on near you? Would your DCs be up for the ballet? Iceskating?

Basically, the 'quiet at home' will seem lovely if it's not one of 6 days of doing nothing, but the only day when you are relaxed in a busy packed schedule!

Good for you for sticking to your guns. Don't overthink it - it'll be lovely. Lots of good telly and new toys to play with. I spent 3 days one Christmas building Star Wars Lego with DC4 - was fantastic. The only thing I enforce is long walks - otherwise we all get a bit claustrophobic and hyper.