Xmas wins - In response to the awful experiences, talk about your positives

[SantaHasaBigStocking]

Poured cold gravy over useless DP’s head?
Gave back the shite, cheap present your darling millionaire Dsis gave you last year?
Stood up to bossy MIL?

Said NO?

Brag about your Christmas cheers here.

Mine was getting COVID (mild symptoms but I really milked it) & having to tell everyone to sort their own Christmas lunch. I had a relaxing week with lots of chocolate. Bliss! It opened their eyes to how much work that one day actually is. Will definitely make this a habit (without the covid obvs)

We too have covid and have done since December 21st. Looking forward to escaping the house this weekend.
My Christmas win was watching my lovely 2 year old DS open presents with ‘WOWWWW’ and a huge smile. Over the last few days we have done a massive de-clutter and clear out ready for the recycling centre on Friday. I feel so refreshed having seen absolutely no one outside our household over the last week. Its been lush!

PIL’s host Christmas Day a few days before, as BIL’s wife is from another country and they fly over there for Xmas day. We’re not a priority as we don’t have children. BIL is the golden child because he has produced two grandkids.

PIL’s set a date with BIL and then will drop the date on us at the last minute. Usually for when we’ve already made other plans. So for the past few years we been only twice and that was a few years ago. It’s not a happy, joyful experience. The food isn’t tasty. The chicken is roasted just enough not to give you food poisoning but I can see the jiggly fat under the skin.....which FIL eats! not and it’s always over boiled sprouts, cauliflower & white cabbage. And instant mash. The whole day is very regimented and scheduled and not at all fun or relaxing.

We haven’t experienced that in years. Win!

I got some lovely presents which really hit the spot in people knowing me. I was so touched by that. My family all thanked me for cooking and hosting which I was pleased about because sometimes those things get a bit lost in the excitment

I have both my son and daughter home from university for winter break, so we are no longer empty nesters for a while.

Notoriously fussy DD was delighted with her presents. Kudos to mummy :-)
Practice makes perfect - 5th time cooking Christmas dinner and it all went like clockwork.

We stayed at home all Christmas day just the four of us and it was delightful. I'm not going back to the old way.

Also fell out with a toxic family member which meant even less stress.

Got shit presents off DH, but DD’s were perfect.

We had a wonderful time. We hosted in a holiday cottage (we live far away from my family) and it went perfectly. No arguments, we all got on, I didn't poison anyone...

Lovely memories.

My oven packed up on me on Christmas Eve. Managed with brute force and some ingenious, multiple repositioning to get the turkey inside a slow cooker. Family said it couldn't be done. They said it wouldn't fit let alone successfully cook. I showed that thing just who was boss, got it in there, left it on low for 15hrs and it was the best goddamn turkey I ever had in my life.

We went to the most beautiful holiday gone in a charming Yorkshire town. We relaxed, played games and took a trip to the coast. We loved it so much that we have booked to go away this year too

@PinniGig

My oven packed up on me on Christmas Eve. Managed with brute force and some ingenious, multiple repositioning to get the turkey inside a slow cooker. Family said it couldn't be done. They said it wouldn't fit let alone successfully cook. I showed that thing just who was boss, got it in there, left it on low for 15hrs and it was the best goddamn turkey I ever had in my life.

Another vote for slow cooked turkey delicious & no worrying about timing!

We got covid too! But people really liked their presents this year. Giving presents that people love is 100% the best thing about Christmas for me.

Bit late to the game here. Since time began we have always had Christmas lunch at 1pm. Due to 16 month old granddaughters nap time we moved it to 3pm. What a game changer! Not a mad squeeze in the morning cooking, trip to cemetery, present opening etc. Very relaxed. Son made sausage sarnies for brunch, time to sit and leisurely unwrap pressies. Timings for cooking turkey seemed easier. Actually dished up on time. A relatively long lunch which everyone was really hungry for. Still plenty of time after for more present opening. Relatives went home earlier with less entertaining necessary. All round win!