Short notice 'Christmas'

[Aroundtheworldin80moves]

This is part hypothetical, half planning.
DH was informed today that from next week he would be on '24hr notice'... That is, he needs to be available to go anywhere, likely within the UK but theoretically in the World, for an indefinite amount of time, within 24hrs.
With this in mind, I want to be prepared for a sudden Christmas celebration with the children (9&7) in case it's a long trip.

My current plan...

• ensure their main present is wrapped and ready
• make sure DHs presents are wrapped and ready, with smaller ones to take with him.
• order takeaway for dinner.

Would you include anything else?

Hopefully this is a plan that will not be needed.

make sure decorations are up.

I would have something in the freezer that is a bit special, so you can make a special meal (doesn't have to be turkey)
eg a special pudding.

Go to m and s, get everything frozen for a Christmas dinner it's all in stock now.

I would do some mini presents too, like a mini stocking, maybe with just some sweets etc, so it spreads out the christmaspresent bit.

Christmas food ready (most likely frozen) and presents wrapped. Then you’re ready to celebrate at short notice if needs be.

P.s. I’m so intrigued what the job is!! Imagining secret agent on key, urgent mission 😂

Ouch we lived at high readiness for two years and it was awful! We didn't have Covid then so my plan for Christmas was just to leave and go to my DPs as the DC were baby and toddler.

If I was in the situation now, I'd have a stash of presents to exchange, small stocking, box of crackers and whack a load of festive party food in the oven. Then if DH was called away there's time for a small celebration.

Would you all be going with him?

If you're staying at home, just carry on as normal.

If you're all going, I'd make sure all your presents are really, really small, and have plenty of money ready to sort Christmas out when you get to where you're going.

I think she wants to bring Christmas forward if the OH is going to be sent away.

To clarify, I basically want to be able to have a small Christmas with a few hours notice.

Food- I live 10mins drive from M&S food. So that should be easy to sort last minute. (I'll probably need to go shopping to pick up his snacks anyway)
Presents- I'll have the presents from us ready, but will leave stockings and Santa presents until Christmas Day.
Crackers- will buy ASAP.

Actual Christmas Day... Will probably take advantage of the amnesty and visit my parents. We were supposed to go for dinner on Boxing Day anyway.

His job... If I tell you, it will bore you to death! Secret Agent would be a lot more interesting.

@Aroundtheworldin80moves

To clarify, I basically want to be able to have a small Christmas with a few hours notice.

Food- I live 10mins drive from M&S food. So that should be easy to sort last minute. (I'll probably need to go shopping to pick up his snacks anyway)
Presents- I'll have the presents from us ready, but will leave stockings and Santa presents until Christmas Day.
Crackers- will buy ASAP.

Actual Christmas Day... Will probably take advantage of the amnesty and visit my parents. We were supposed to go for dinner on Boxing Day anyway.

His job... If I tell you, it will bore you to death! Secret Agent would be a lot more interesting.

That’s exactly what the wife of a secret agent would say 😉

It must be very stressful living on edge like that. I think your plans are perfect already anyway.