Just the 4 of us at xmas...how to make it special?

[Potello]

For various reason this year we will be spending Christmas Day at home, me, dh and our 2 toddlers.

We usually host and have lots of family over for the day.

Part of me is looking forward to it, doesn't matter if dinner runs behind, can stay in pj's if we want to etc. Mainly though I'm worried it's going to feel like a normal day!

Any toddler friendly ways to make it special? I'm trying not to have too many expectations because with young dc we will have to go with the flow but I'm a bit worried we will be sad and it won't feel like Christmas

[BroomstickOfLove]

I've always had a "small" Christmas, and honestly, it's lovely, and not something that needs to be compensated for. Opening stockings in bed, letting the children set the pace so you don't have to make them wait/rush ahead, space in the kitchen to actually move, having dinner conversations including everyone at once, having time to enjoy the day, not having to stick rigidly to a schedule because with a few people you can be flexible, no obligations of being g a host or a guest...It's my favourite way of spending Christmas.

[ipswichwitch]

We've done this the last 3 years (since DS2 was a newborn) and it's great. We can eat when we like - Christmas dinner is about 5pm, so I don't end up cooking while the DC are opening presents. Breakfast is a sharing plate of pastries, cinnamon buns and fruit so we can pick at it all morning while the presents are opened, and we don't bother getting dressed until that's done either. Stockings are opened on our bed - which can take a while since they're rather large! I love it. No arguments, the kids get to sit and play with all their presents without having to rush off anywhere and I do minimal cooking (M&S Christmas dinner here!)