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Original poster

Have you ever been out for Christmas dinner?

75 replies

Summerdays2014 · 08/10/2017 12:27

Hi,

This year it's the inlaws year and there has been talk about us going out for Christmas dinner. There will be 6 adults and 3 children. I've never done this befor and can't really imagine it. Has anyone else done this? Did it feel the same? Can't say I'm particularly loving the idea. My son will be nearly 2 and won't want to sit still, he is very fussy at the moment, it will be nap time and and it will be really expensive!

But... maybe we should try and it will be amazing?

OP posts:
IHaveBrilloHair · 08/10/2017 15:29

True WitchesHatRim, but that's my experience.
I hate when decent restaurants change their menus for the whole of December into substandard crappy ones.

ToEarlyForDecorations · 08/10/2017 15:47

Went out for Christmas lunch once. It was a carvery. Food was nice but as others have said, you miss the smell of food cooking in your own house etc.

No leftovers ? (Breathes into a paper bag to ward off a panic attack)

No cold roast chicken from Christmas Day, cold ham for boxing day, cold roast potatoes etc etc. Not on my watch !

(Don't get me wrong, Boxing Day is left over meat with salad and new potatoes.)

scrabbler3 · 08/10/2017 16:13

Thumbs up here. But I wouldn't eat out on Christmas Day with a young child. Sitting quietly through multiple courses is a lot to expect of excited LOs on Christmas Day when their new toys are at home. A pub near me has stipulated a minimum age of 10 which seems "sweeping" but at least there is no chance of complaints about behaviour.

I am a Christmassy person but I'm not bothered about Christmas cooking smells or leftovers (I can understand why many folk are though, we all have our important traditions and expectations).

Original poster
Summerdays2014 · 08/10/2017 17:20

Thanks for all your feedback. Nothing has been booked yet. My husband thinks it's a good idea, but I'm really not sure. My son is not very keen on sitting still (or eating tbh) It's the in laws 'turn' this year though so I guess if that's what they decide that's what we'll be doing. I would have them all here, but not enough room. The thing is I don't think they'd mind at all if we didn't go, and would certainly not put any pressure on us ( I also like them and we all get on) but my husband will want to spend the day with them.
We shall see, none of us have had a proper talk about it yet so could all come to nothing!

OP posts:
bimbobaggins · 08/10/2017 20:20

we had a wonderful Christmas Day meal a couple of days ago. It was £75 per head but it was wonderful and worth every penny. Santa came round the tables too which was great. I'd go out every year now. Going on holiday this year and can't wait

MrsMerryFestive · 08/10/2017 20:26

Me and DH had Xmas day lunch out at a lovely restaurant walking distance from our house years ago pre-dcs. Lovely food, lovely time, lovely memories. It was perfect.

Then a couple of years ago we did it with two DCs aged 3 and 5. Nightmare. Constant asking kids to sit still / not spill drinks / stop whining. Food was also not great which pissed me off. Never again!!!

On Christmas Day it's great to just let the kids get down when they want so you can relax at the table lingering over the wine.

Can you visit the in laws eithe before or after they go out?

Bornfreebutinbiscuits · 08/10/2017 20:32

Yes and it was lovely actually, stunning old old atmospheric pub... However I probably wouldn't do it again for the time being only because I think of the lovely food we could have at home for 60+ ahead

NachoAddict · 08/10/2017 20:35

We did for 2 years when the kids were small and loved it. Would do it in a heartbeat but I am committed to cooking for someone who wouldn't get a Christmas dinner otherwise so we don't now. Shame though as i much prefer it.

AnneEyhtMeyer · 08/10/2017 20:42

I can't think of anything more depressing than sitting being served by people who want to be at home with their own families.

MrsMerryFestive · 08/10/2017 20:49

I'm not sure that's always the case Anne. I can imagine there are plenty of young adults who quite enjoy the double (triple?!) pay and generous tips.

AnneEyhtMeyer · 08/10/2017 20:53

Don't be so sure MrsMerry. I've done it as a "young adult" and it was joyless.

Lots of people thinking "I've paid a lot for this" meant very meagre tips and double pay doesn't exactly make up for working on the one day of the year most people are at home with their families. And think about their families at home wishing their family member was with them.

Elledouble · 08/10/2017 20:59

MrsMerry as I say, I did it once. We got triple pay and I think I made about £120 in tips and you know what? It wasn't worth it. The restaurant got greedy and booked in two sittings, forgetting that no-one wants to be rushed at their Christmas dinner. The first sitting was still in place when the second arrived. People were not happy. The food looked shit. There wasn't enough clean cutlery and in the end, after everyone had left, we walked out without laying the restaurant up for the next day. It was absolutely awful.

On the other hand, the NYE shift I worked that year was brilliant. Only one sitting, only four tables to wait and everyone was in a great mood.

user1485166754 · 08/10/2017 21:03

Anyone recommend going out with a 5 month old?

MrsMerryFestive · 08/10/2017 21:03

At some point in their lives most people have to work times they don't want to. It's called earning a living. I have tipped very well on Christmas Day but I certainly wouldn't feel guilty about others having to work. We all have our own crosses to bear.

MrsMerryFestive · 08/10/2017 21:07

user much easier than a toddler. As long as you think you'll be able to feed them, keep them asleep for an hour or so in the pram, play pass the baby for a while then back in the pram for a gurgle and play. If you've got a 5 month old who wants to crawl around everywhere, it could be more difficult.

AnneEyhtMeyer · 08/10/2017 21:10

MrsMerry - that is a very selfish attitude. It isn't about earning a living, as that should be done in the normal working week.

ImogenTubbs · 08/10/2017 21:13

We've done it a few times but have splashed out. Would be nervous about trying to get a bargain unless it was a place I knew well and knew he quality of their food. Could be very disappointing. Can't you take a few little presents to open over lunch?

NumbersLetters · 08/10/2017 21:14

One year we ordered a full xmas dinner from Cook so we didn't have to do any prep but we still got to eat at home. It was great. They deliver.

Ohyesiam · 08/10/2017 21:14

Maybe your in-laws need a break from cooking? You could suggest doing an M&S Christmas, and offer to cook it if they lavish attention on your 2 year old.
M& S Xmas food is good, not quite as good as home made, but enjoyable. And there is a profiterole dessert that is yum.

MrsMerryFestive · 08/10/2017 21:23

What about the millions of people who have to work on Sundays all through the year? Or those who have to work evenings instead of putting their babies to bed? The shelf stackers in the supermarket you visit, the doctors and nurses looking after your sick loved ones?

You wouldn't go out to dinner on Christmas Day in protest of those having to work. Would you refuse emergency medical care in the middle of the night? Do you never visit the supermarket on a Sunday?

Of course most people would rather not work on Christmas Day. A lot of people who rather not do lots of things they have to do to pay the mortgage and feed their families. Christmas Day is just that - one day.

I'm not being selfish. But you are being ridiculous.

Hellywelly10 · 08/10/2017 21:39

Never done it. Too overpriced for what basically is a roast dinner.

AnneEyhtMeyer · 08/10/2017 21:42

MrsMerry - a medical emergency is somewhat different.

No, I don't go to the supermarket on a Sunday, I don't shop on Bank Holidays.

MrsMerryFestive · 08/10/2017 21:49

Well bully for you then Anne. I'm sure your post only travels during the day time and the food you buy is stacked on the shelves during the hours of 9-5 and all your clothes are hand stitched by a little old lady in the Cotswold.

tigercub50 · 08/10/2017 21:54

Never eaten out - the closest we came to doing something different was spending Christmas in South Africa. Really missed the traditional dinner but what a holiday!

thismeansnothing · 08/10/2017 22:01

I have done it once and never ever again. DH cousin and partner was over from Australia. So MIL booked for the 5 of us to go to a local wedding type function suite thing for Xmas dinner. We were part of the early sitting and there was just no atmosphere. Really quiet, food was mediocre and it was ridiculously expensive. Also we had to drive there so couldn't have a drink. We've never been out again. We've hosted or stopped at home me DH and dd