How do i stop myself being a martyr on xmas day

[princessconsuelabannahammock]

Its my first time hosting and first time to have christmas at home with my DC ( we traditionally went to my parents). I have my in laws and mother here - they all have form for parking themselves on the sofa and doing nowt. They will all happily watch me look after kids, cook, clean and serve tea etc and not lift a finger. My husband is great but needs expressed instructions - so its often easier to just do it myself.

I would like this xmas to be fun and relaxed, i want nice food and to play with my kids and enjoy the day.

I dont want everyone to have a great day at the expense of mine ifyswim?

My husband thinks make things more difficult than they need to be but he doesnt grasp that if DS hasnt eaten by a set time, then he wont sleep, then he will be grumpy etc etc.

I am trying to prep food in advance but time is slipping away from me esp as DD has finished nursery now and Dmil has just cancelled the 90 mins she was going to look after the kids so i could do the xmas food shop.

Do any experienced hosters have any top tips? I want everyone inc me to have a great day, i dont want to be a stressed, sweaty mess. Help!

In case anyone hasn't said it yet, get DH, MIL and any other adults/teens around to mind and entertain your DS and any other small DCs. Cooking will be a lot less stressful if you're not constantly worrying about tripping over LOs.

Just got the last of my bits from the shops and found a can of pre mixed gin and tonic - i hate gin but was recommended upthread as a good cure for martyrdom so will be giving it a shot.

Table laid, lists done, puddings made, serving dishes out. Just need to final clean tom morning whilst hubby take kids out to softplay hell.

Feeling much more relaxed now, its my xmas day too and i will enjoy it and wont be a martyr and ruin it for everyone - thats what i will tell myself when i am handing out jobs to everyone - i am doing it for their own benefit!!

Looks like you're all sorted.

Do you have a stairgate you don't need wherever it is? We have one on the kitchen door so we can cook without the DC coming and clinging to our legs.

Princess, if you hate gin, find a glass of something you like - don't be a martyr to the drink as well! A nice glass of sherry (Old East India sherry is lovely), or a glass of baileys, or a glass of prosecco (just get a 1 glass or half bottle sized bottles if you want). Or a glass of your very favourite wine, not for general consumption, not the table wine for the day, just a bottle or half bottle to get a nice glass to start the day and enjoy the rest on Boxing Day.

I tried to have a gin but it was rank so tipped it down the sink! However today was a sucess, no martyrdom here! I got a lot of stuff prepped beforehand and then i drank alot of prosecco and it all flowed nicely.

I sat on my hands after lunch and everyone helped without prompting - inc mil, yay. My mum wasnt having any of it and chivvied everyone along - bless her. Just sat down now after a lovely meal and having a nice baileys.

Thanks for everyones tips.

Well done! Although I am very pissed off you tipped my magic down the sink!!!