Having a guest for Christmas... that’s a new one!

[LordProfFekkoThePenguinPhD]

Anyway, we aren’t able to do our usual visiting family this year (so expecting a lazy day at home, just three of us - is parents and a teen) but have acquired a guest for the day.

Not sure what to do! It’s one of my sisters so not exactly a huge stress but I’d like to have a really fun day (she can’t take time off either, so can’t visit the usual family host, and is a bit annoyed about that).

Growing up it was traditionally; up early, presents, big breakfast, grandparents over, more presents, huuuuge late lunch (or go out to restaurant of mum was ill), films, supper, roll into bed late (after too much champagne and port when we were older). Usually at least one major strop thrown by mum.

How do other people ‘do christmas’? Every year I demand to watch Elf (never happens) and the Muppet Christmas Movie (managed to drag DS to the cinema to see this about 12 years ago but he is a strange boy who apparently hates the muppets).

What is your ideal day OP? Make sure you get some of it your own way! Nearer the time ask your sister if there is anything she would like to eat on the day, what kind of breakfast etc, and clue her in to what time you'll be getting up. With 4 of you including a teen maybe get a board game for the evening, can be loads of fun. If weather is ok set aside 30 minutes for a walk.
Failing that just get pissed

Failing that just get pissed unless carefully managed I can predict she will do this by 11am. I even suggested getting lo alcohol beer and switching labels! (Not kidding) so maybe keep everyone busy?

My ideal day would be sitting in my reading armchair with a family sized Christmas pudding and a tub of cream listening to carols on the radio.

I suggest a low fuss dinner - either make your big Xmas dinner on Christmas Eve (my brother does this and it means left overs and picky bits on Christmas Day, so no fuss for the host) or a party food type of affair.

If alcohol is a worry problem then mulled wine ( just grape and apple juice with mulled spices works really well) and other nice low or no alcohol versions.

Yes to board games, charades, a walk and planned nap time films

She is coming for the day (no room to stay over really) - I’m both looking forward to it and slightly dreading it.

I missed the big cook on Christmas Eve at DB’s but loved having the turkey and/or ham leftovers the next day.

Have the day your way. New traditions and your family.
Some takeaways may be open if you don’t want to cook. Or DP could cook? And you can have a glass of port with that book you want to read.

It sounds lovely. I would try a walk or church (if you are religious). It's nice to look at the crib even if you are not church goers. Nice dinner and movie. Something like monopoly or scrabble? Photo props just for fun could be nice?

Our usual routine:
Christmas eve - candlelight and crib, then when we get home Christmas eve boxes, bath and into new pjs for dc, buffet supper watching Muppets Christmas Carol, read The night before Christmas, put mince pie and carrot out for FC and the reindeer - bed for DC. I then relax with a glass of something. Then fill stockings and head to bed

Christmas day - open stockings, breakfast of coffee and pastries, open presents under tree from us, relax, dc play with presents, Christmas lunch (main course), open presents from others under tree, Christmas lunch (dessert), relax, dc play, put out small buffet supper, more relaxing and a Baileys coffee.

Sounds lovely!

We have had a mix of both huge family christmas's with guests visiting us, and quiet ones just the 5 of us. I suspect this year will be a guest or two but generally quieter.

Xmas eve is usually: chill out in the morning (DH may or may not be at work), then about 11am i take the kids and we meet my friend & walk across the local common into town and have a spot of lunch. The kids always moan about doing this but then has a blast once we're out. We've always been really lucky with the weather. Then its home where i may prep the veggies, kids will watch a movie or game. Finally a simple dinner, the elves leave PJs under the tree so its a bath and into those. I like to watch Elf but doesn't always happen (last year was the Grinch so a compromise). Once the kids are in bed DH and i will wrap presents and watch tv whilst drinking champagne & munching on antipasti (if DH is working i tend to have the wrapping done and dusted before the school breaks up and just chill with some fizz by myself).

Xmas day: DH usually wakes first and is mega excited . Kids wake around 7am, open stockings on our bed then everyone pees & brushes teeth before heading downstairs. Santa always leaves chocolate coins all over the stairs that have fallen out his pockets so the kids love collecting those.

Finally we open gifts, make the big lunch and spend the rest of the day eating, drinking, playing games, and usually falling asleep early from exhaustion.