Christmas dilemma already!

[stilletoe]

I have a very small family, there is just DH and my lo. I've always craved to have a big family christmas with lots of people etc, but it never happens, as we don't have family etc....

Last christmas I made a really big effort to make it nice and special for 3 of us and it was lovely. Every thing about the day from getting up in the morning and doing a special breakfast,opening presents,little naughty treats I bought to munch on throughout the day to the evening and the games etc we played and movies watched.

In my head I have been planning this years christmas and have been really looking forward to it until we got an invite from a close family friend to have christmas lunch at theirs.

I have spoken to DH and he says he would prefer to have it at home, but is not sure how to turn them down with out offending them.

My dilemma is what should I do, they want to know by end of next week, so they can order their bits and bobs and get organised???

tell them it would be unfair for lo to open pressys and then have to leave them to go to theirs - i use this excuse every year and have people to mine.

if your close friend are having other people for lunch then why not suggest they come to your's for a late tea and a few drinks. if the are not having other people over why not invite them to yours because of above?

I would say that Christmas Day is already planned but could you visit on another day or invite them round another day?

I have a rule that smalls only open presents in their own house - shamelessly exploiting the fact that it suits me . But I do think it's a bit harsh on the very young to have to abandon presents or go somewhere else and not see their own tree or stockings etc.
Invite them over or suggest a second Christmas on boxing day.

Suggest a christmas leftover buffet lunch on Boxing Day.

That's it, brilliant! my lo would hate to leave new toys etc and go to someone elses house. Why did'nt I think of this reason, it is so obvious.

Thanks everyone, great advice.