SURVIVING CHRISTMAS - MUMSNET WANTS YOUR TOP TIPS

[AbbyMumsnet]

Yes we know, we know, it's only October. But before you know it it will be THAT day again, so we're compiling a Mumsnet list of top tips on how to survive all aspects of Christmas. From defusing difficult in-laws to keeping up with your kids' expectations to coping with countless car journeys to far-flung relatives, post your survival tips here. TIA.

my tip is by one type of wrapping paper for each person. if your kids are anything like mine they just dive into the presents without looking who theyre for so i wrap each person presents in the same wrapping paper, tell them which is theirs then they only pick up their own presents. also cook your turkey on xmas eve it saves time on the day.

Try not to have a due date of Christmas Eve...!

Do as much shopping as possible online and do it early so you don't get caught paying for priority shipping.

If MIL/FIL come to stay on xmas eve ask them to babysit and go out. They can prep the veg while they are at it.

Be grateful, very grateful that you are not married to a clergyman who will come in at 3pm on Christmas afternoon after doing 10 services in 48 hours and say "I'm too tired to eat your lovingly prepared meal, darling." And fall asleep while 4 children open their presents. How can he do that? Actually perhaps we will have Christmas on Boxing Day this year.......

MrsMcJr - the only effort I make for MIL is with her present. Last year I went all the way to Sainsbury's to buy her some body lotion. (It was posh stuff, honestly. Champneys own brand. And she liked it, but would be mortified if she knew I'd bought it in Sainsbury's).

Re. the wrapping paper for each family member, I have a vast collection of used paper from previous years, some of it has almost achieved family heirloom status(ILs not thrilled that I collect it up after the present-opening bonanza, but I do use new paper for them). I have a roll of coloured tape (the metallic stuff) for each person and just stick a lump on each present - good for the little stuff in stockings. One year when Dch were small I must've picked up the wrong tape; DS most bemused as to why Santa had put a Barbie something-or-other in his stocking.

Any suggestions on how I deal with this? I actually like my family. DH hates all family, including his own so never a question of having them over/going to them. For the last 3 years we have had Christmas at home with friends and it has been very low key because DH "doesn't do Christmas". However, I actually quite like Christmas and my family and although I am happy to not buy or receive any presents except for the children, I would quite like to spend the time with my parents, brothers and nieces, as I am sure would our toddler. Any mention of this possibilitysends DH into frenzy and so I change the subject. Also, my parents always go to other siblings and it seems a bit of a deliberate snub to never invite them here, although I would like it. Any suggestions on how to deal with this one and maybe get my own way at least once in a while?

Could you do the friends thing with dh and then go to your family celebration without him? One of my brothers hardly ever comes with his wife (by mutual agreement ) and it works out fine.

I regret losing touch with some of my Mum's relatives, and I don't see my Dad's side very often. Someone from my Dad's side organised a big family 'do' in the summer, and it was a real pleasure. You could explain to your family about your misery DH, why you can't have them at yours - it's not your fault if he doesn't want to join in, but keep trying to make him understand that you need to. It's only once a year, after all, and surely if Christmas is like any other time to him he can't object. Has he got a mate/relative/solitary fishing trip he could go to instead? If, after all, it doesn't work out for you, get someone to organise a big get-together at some other time (Granny's birthday or whatever).

okeydokeygirl - that's horrible! My DH doesn't like my parents that much (it's a mutual thing I suppose) but they both put up and shut up for special days like christmas. For my sake and for the children. It would be selfish to do otherwise. And if your DH doesn't 'do' christmas it won't bother him if you don't spend the day with him will it?

Meant to add that most of the time I go to my parents house when DH is working or doing something else. No point in making life awkward when there is no need.

Have been lol reading this thread. Keep 'em coming m'dears. Oh, and if you've got any good ones for areas not yet covered - e.g. travel tips for making those countless journeys go in a flash/dealing with in-laws who favour one child/how Father Christmas copes when more than one family are staying in the same place on Christmas Eve - then please add them here. Cheers. x

My tip for surviving Christmas is to spend it with your nearest and dearest in a Castle in Italy yay!

Keep Christmas Day for your immediate family - so as small a group as possible to cook for. And gives all the children time to play with thier presents before having to clear space for visitors

Then invite other relations/friends round on Boxing Day when you can just do an easy hot and cold buffett and ask people to contribute to the dishes. Most people will have over indulged on Christmas Day as it is and will welcome non-fussy finger food with portions as big or small as they like.

Bumping again. Keen to get tips to do with travel/presents/relationships/general sanity...

There is absolutley no disgrace in serving frozen roast potaotes/parsnips or any preprepared food for that matter

In twenty years time when your children look back on Christmas day, will they remember the spuds??

No!!

Anyone else? Surely the river can't have run dry already?

Plastic bags - chop and prepare everything before but put in plastic bags so you have no washing up and it fits in the fridge.

98p economy tins - chuck afterwards or use for art/garden jobs. No washing up.

Cook cauliflower cheese/stuffing etc in tin foil and chuck wrappers.

Involve inlaws. I've asked mil for help with pudding - we can turn it into a family stirring afternoon and it's great for the kids, even though I'm sure I could cope alone!

Pannetone toasted with apricot jam and champagne for breakfast. Dh not allowed to cook as he is too messy (1 day ban only!)

Hide TV remote, esp when soaps are on. But have good movies.

Will prob take dog and kids for a bracing walk on the beach at some point.

Everyone must wear red PJs in the morning - got some for kids from matalan, and older dd/us from M and S. All have to stay unworn till Xmas eve.

I always make a bit of "me time" on Christmas Eve. If it's dry, Dh takes the DSs out with the dog to the beach or forest to run off some energy,if it's wet he settles down to watch a film with them. I run a bath, pour a glass of wine, put MY music on the cd player and relax. Even if it's only for 10 minutes, it calms me and i'm ready to face the MIL . Thouroghly recommend it. Many people have asked me how i have the time on Christmas Eve, but i make time, and i firmly believe in not stressing over the dinner/presents etc.

I assemble any toy that needs it and wrap it in it's ready state-no tears!

Give Grandparents a list of things that you want your baby to have, that way, you don't get overloaded with presents because they are trying to outdo each other!
Make sure there are spare batteries in the house and don't buy too much, because lets face it, the wrapping is more exciting than the gifts to children!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
As for surviving the family - I'm all ears!

probably done already
Put batteries in toys ready and keep spares and a screwdriver ready.

undo all the screws and wires that hold the toy in place inside the box, and then put the toy back inside. that way you dont have to spend ages trying to get the toy out of the box on christmas morning.

do all your christmas shopping in october...you have no idea how quiet the shops were on monday (yes I have everything bar a few knic-knac's bought...smug )

BUMP