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Original poster

First child free Christmas Days for decades - how to make it special?

9 replies

OMGitsnotgood · 27/08/2023 09:53

Our adult DC are attending a wedding abroad just before Christmas and have decided to stay out there and celebrate Christmas with some of the wedding party who are also staying on. They have said we could fly out and have Christmas with them and their friends but we aren't going to cramp their style! Plus we have a couple of commitments already Christmas Eve and Boxing Day (yes, I know it's only August!) so DH and I don't want to be away from home.
We will have our family Christmas when they are back and will do a traditional Christmas Dinner then.
I'm not upset that the 'children' won't be with us, but am thinking it is going to be a very strange day with just 2 of us. Nearer the time we'll see if any of our friends are going to be on their own, and then suggest we get together. Too early to plan that just yet. We definitely don't want to go out for Christmas Dinner (although could be tempted by a curry if our local restaurant is open - it usually is). If the weather is nice we would go for a walk and have a drink in one of the local pubs. We'll also probably watch a film. But none of that feels very special. DH isn't overly bothered 'it's just another day; we're having Christmas Day later' - but I am sure on the day I'll really feel the absence of the DC and the madness that goes along with it. DH isn't a 'smoked salmon and fizz for breakfast kinda guy, he'd rather have a bacon butty and a cup of tea!!
I'm rambling now, just thinking out loud really. Ideas as to how we could make it special without the DC?
Thanks

OP posts:
WombatBombat · 27/08/2023 11:20

I think the curry is a great idea. Bacon sandwiches in bed, a walk & a pint, a long bath in the afternoon and then a curry (either out or take it home) for a movie marathon/binge a series under the duvet on the sofa. Throw in a cheese board and I might turn up!

A big part of it is the mindset shift. It is going to be a different type of day and you’ll still be having your typical Christmas Day, just later. There will be lots of people loving the idea of a stress free, obligation free day, as much as you are wanting the madness. You get the best of both, it’s just having a bit of a reframing.

TakeMe2Insanity · 27/08/2023 11:23

Re the smoke salmon and fizz v bacon butty surely you can both? It’s the two of you. Why don’t you both choose what you’d like independently and spend together.

Original poster
OMGitsnotgood · 27/08/2023 11:28

TakeMe2Insanity · 27/08/2023 11:23

Re the smoke salmon and fizz v bacon butty surely you can both? It’s the two of you. Why don’t you both choose what you’d like independently and spend together.

yes good point - tho I'd have to buy a small bottle as i have no will power once a bottle is open 😂

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MrsHsGirl · 27/08/2023 11:32

I think a curry sounds ideal if you are going to have the traditional dinner with DC once they are home.

I know it seems early but I would say if you do want to go out (with or without friends) to book now - I tried to book somewhere a few years ago at the start of September and was astounded that pretty much everywhere was fully booked and apparently had been for months!

PS champagne and bacon butty in bed sounds like heaven 😍

Original poster
OMGitsnotgood · 27/08/2023 11:34

A big part of it is the mindset shift.

Totally agree with this and right now my mind is in the right place as I never want my DC to feel the stress of trying to keep two families happy at Christmas as we did, and I know we'll throughly enjoy the family Christmas a week later. I know myself tho that on the day itself I will 'feel' it so need to do something to make it different to any other Sunday.

Thanks both for your responses and encouragement!

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Original poster
OMGitsnotgood · 27/08/2023 11:37

Thanks @MrsHsGirl , that's a very good point re booking early.

OP posts:
YuliaJollyberry · 28/08/2023 02:42

WombatBombat · 27/08/2023 11:20

I think the curry is a great idea. Bacon sandwiches in bed, a walk & a pint, a long bath in the afternoon and then a curry (either out or take it home) for a movie marathon/binge a series under the duvet on the sofa. Throw in a cheese board and I might turn up!

A big part of it is the mindset shift. It is going to be a different type of day and you’ll still be having your typical Christmas Day, just later. There will be lots of people loving the idea of a stress free, obligation free day, as much as you are wanting the madness. You get the best of both, it’s just having a bit of a reframing.

Sounds bliss!

To enhance the specialness I’d upgrade the butty - farm shop bacon instead of supermarket with a nicer loaf than the usual one. A festive shower gel/bath fizzer and a mini champagne for the bath, a grander bottle of wine/better vintage port with the cheeseboard.

ZeldaWillTellYourFortune · 28/08/2023 02:54

Good chance to have a more elegant occasion.

Dressy candlelight dinner on Christmas Eve followed by champagne, charcuterie and cheese on Christmas Day along with walks, films, short visits to friends and neighbours. Or a Boxing Day cocktail party.

Original poster
OMGitsnotgood · 28/08/2023 09:16

thank you - I like the 'upgrade' concept and the cocktail party suggestion has got me thinking i could give DH ingredients for his favourite cocktails as part of his Christmas present (and help him with the drinking!)
Thank you

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