Christmas Logistics

[PuttingDownRoots]

DH has booked flights so we arrive home from our holiday at 3am Christmas Day. I'm just sorting through logistics...

-all food will need to be freezable or long life. Part baked rolls? The longer life milk thats ok for a couple of weeks? Meat in freezer. Salad is out. Cheese will be ok. Fortunately we don't do the traditional roast on Christmas Day, just in the Christmas period.

• presents all wrapped before holiday, probably in our bedroom, can't get into attic at that time!. Have Santa's plate etc ready to go out

-long lie in on Christmas morning...

• artificial tree again

• look for shooting stars etc on the plane home.

What else do I need to think about?

Milk freezes really well so I'd freeze milk rather than have long life.

How long are you away for?

Assuming a week or less the filtered milk will be fine. For Christmas dinner (assuming not more than 6 people) get a cook from frozen prepared roast eg 3 bird roast plus frozen roast potatoes, frozen cauliflower cheese, red cabbage etc. fresh carrots keep fine in the fridge. Cut loaves freeze well, part baked French bread /rolls. Cheese keeps well in fridge. Remember the shops reopen Boxing Day (or 27th in some places!)

Lay the table before you go

remote thermostat so the house is warm when you get home

New Christmas fuzzy friend in the car for each dc to welcome them home

To clarify I was meaning the filtered milk... our freezer is only two drawers! Only away 7 days.

We go for Christmas Dinner at my parents on boxing day or day after, so no worries there.

A cuddly toy waiting in the car sounds genius, thank you. (Or a new blanket!)

Hide a couple of tiny gifts you know they will love in your case and take them with you that way if you are delayed 'Santa' will still have a tiny gift to drop off and the rest at home...not sure on age of dc.
Have a friend/neighbour you can trust on standby just in case you need everything in place under the tree when you get back if you are delayed.