Aibu to stop this multiple Christmas day madness?

[Sugargliderwombat]

So we have toddlers and babies in the family now, and we seem to be settling into a routine that I think is odd but wondering if IABU to basically stop the tradition from next year.

To account for multiple adults who work over Christmas (none of whom have children) we seem to have ended up doing 3 seperate Christmas days that cater for them. So my side I have to do boxing day, my OH side is Christmas eve and then Christmas day on our own. But instead of being them joining in with Christmas eve or boxing day we are doing 3 full bloody Christmases, that is madness going forwards, right?

We did that last year (having 3 consecutive days) and thought it was utter madness! And I've ended up doing the same this year! :(

Last year I hosted 1 event at my house, but it was too tiring! Especially with kids to also look after. So this year I said I'm not hosting anyone at my house, and I am happy to cook on each day something to bring to the parties

Three christmas dinners is madness!
But having a Christmas season with family is lovely.

Our Christmas will be:

Christmas Eve: steak and kidney supper (with crackers and Christmas cake) Church and Christmas film with in-laws.

Christmas Day: The usual Christmas dinner and presents with my family.

Boxing Day: More extended family round for more presents, Big Christmas ‘leftovers’ meal (mostly cold meat and salads but with hot potatoes) more crackers and party games etc. Some family stay over to the 27th.

27th: Fancy breakfast / brunch, afternoon Pantomime and evening takeaway, monopoly, etc.

So every day is Christmassy and special but not identical. You need to do something like this.

I grew up with a big, fancy meal on Christmas Eve. So the transition to also having some presents that day hasn’t been that difficult. The menu between Christmas Eve and Christmas Day isn’t the same with our families though.

Blimey. If you have to see people on Xmas eve and Boxing Day then at least don’t sort a full Xmas dinner each day eg have a Boxing Day buffet type thing - bread, cheese, meat, pickles etc.
Just be honest and say 3 consecutive Christmases including meals is too much so if they want to come over things will have to be different this year

We do similar. Wanted Christmas day just us. No pressure.

Then doing all of both families on boxing day was rather crowded and rushed and overwhelming for the kids, parents even got competitive! So we split it. But we do boxing day with one and new year with the other to spread it out a little.

I think if you or a close family member is one who works on Christmas then the rest have to flexible to certain extent. Be that celebrating on different day or having a few ‘do-overs’.

I agree 3 days in a row of turkey or rouast would have me eating salad and fruit for a more after. But I’d do it.

Yes - she is. Just not at a paying job.

That’s crazy. I’d expect all gifts for the kids to be at our place and be opened on 25th. Maybe 1 gift per place per kid in the other places (will help keep kids occupied for a bit). But going full on for 3 days is too much.

Is this actually coming from the people who are working?

I pretty much only know people who routinely work at Christmas and nobody does this. Working person fits around rest of family ie if they’re on a night they join during the day (if not going back that night). We’d do nibbles and drinks with an BBQ Christmas Eve (we live somewhere warm) , Christmas Day all trimmings, Boxing Day leftovers. Presents each day only in that if you see family members you haven’t seen you get your present from them. Santa only comes once!

Bollocks to that. Quick drink xmas eve if you want ( but you could easily argue you'll be too busy sorting out presents etc, xmas day as normal. Quiet boxing day for left overs..just you ( and children) .

I can see why someone working Christmas day would want the works on another day. Tricky.

I agree.

DH and i both had kids when we met, mine alternate Xmas day between parents, his are always with mum Xmas day and us boxing day and on those years I do a 'double Xmas day. It's a lot of work but it matters to us, it's up to you though to do what's best for your unit.