if it were up to me we’d do something really easy for food and spend the day playing games etc. ( I like the idea someone up-thread said about big meal on Xmas Eve. Think I’ll suggest that.)
I didn’t cook it this year but it was done in my kitchen which looks like a bomb hit it, oven is gross despite being immaculate this morning, and my fridge smells of sprouts.
I’d def host friends on Christmas Eve morning/early afternoon again. I rarely have anyone but family over, but yesterday gave me a real lift and I enjoyed hosting. It worked well for my kids who for various reasons need a quiet space to retreat to.
I’ll put a reminder in the loo for boys to wipe the floor/ back of loo if they need to. I felt v cross about how inconsiderate they were - all 12 and older so no excuse.
I wouldn’t rely so heavily on pre-made food, but kids were sick one after the other in weeks before and I wasn’t able to do much myself. My recycling boxes are overflowing now and I’m feeling v guilty!
Fabric gift bags next year for people who I know will reuse. The paper we have leftover will do the other people a few years.
Tell people I don’t drink. I have about 20 bottles of alcohol but haven’t touched a drop in probably a year, and before that I only ever had maybe two glasses of wine through the year and one glass of mulled wine at Xmas. They’ll find a home I’m sure but I’m a bit embarrassed that people have brought me it thinking I’ll be sitting with feet up later, sipping and relaxing. I’d rather a bottle of nice cordial!
Gift wise for kids, more stuff they can play alone/together without supervision, straight out of pack. I focused too heavily on craft stuff which they couldn’t do as table was occupied and youngest especially needs watching, and most of the games needed adult guidance for first few rounds. Well have loads of time tomorrow to do it all but it felt like I’d put a real dampner on their excitement.
Plan breakfast better. Thought I’d done good this year ( cinnamon rolls and lovely fruit salad) but everyone was hungry shortly after.
Good bits -
no screen time til after dinner.
Just right on gift front
Less dessert options is better
Less drink options is better
No chocolate for my kids. They get loads from elsewhere
Not trying to capture lots of posed photos. Natural captures them best!
Get outside for a good brisk walk.