Ideas for making Christmas special

[Diggo2022]

Hello! We are hosting Christmas this year for the first time & looking for tips and ideas to make it special.

It'll be me and my husband (31), our two year old daughter, my parents in their 60s, 2 grandparents in late 80s & potentially a close family friend (also 31). Grandparents are staying in a nearby hotel & are both still mentally able (quiz etc would be very doable).

I would love ideas of fun group games, food, traditions, activities, treats etc. I want to start special traditions with my daughter but also want to plan things in which everyone can enjoy together.

My biggest tip is to find out from everyone what is that one thing that makes Christmas feel like Christmas. Talking about that will put everyone in the mood for Christmas. For some people it’s a particular food, for others it’s an activity.

When I’m entertaining my in-laws I make sure we have a 1970s trifle, and a huge glazed ham so I can send half home with fil, and instead of switching on the tv we sit around the fire and play a raucous game of 25.

When I’m entertaining my family, I need to make a double batch of stuffing so everyone can have their stuffing sandwiches the next day, and monopoly must make an appearance at some point. Sil loves a tia Maria with milk, and df loved Christmas carols as back ground music.

Knowing what things make the biggest impression makes it easier because I can eliminate the things that don’t.

During part of the day, I would plan a short walk with my daughter. It gives her a chance to burn off her energy and play, and it gives your grandparents an hour or so with the TV or music—maybe even a chance to snooze.

Food—ask people in the lead-up what their favorite treat is and get some in for nibbles.

Games -With a two-year-old around, you should probably play something that doesn't require a huge setup and can be played while caring for them. So maybe card games or a Christmas movie music quiz would be good options.

Overplanned Christmas days can sometimes be draining with intergenerational families, just be flexible and give people time to chat, watch some of the specials, have a snooze if they need one.

these are all really helpful ideas! Thank you both! I will ask everyone what makes Christmas Christmas for them.

a walk & Christmas movie quiz sound like great ideas!

And you’re right about over planned, I think maybe have the ideas /games etc ready and then just go with the flow rather than planning what to do when

Take videos of your daughter with her GP's and GGP's - she won't remember this Christmas but looking back at videos with everyone in paper hats will become a tradition in and of itself I promise you!

My DS's (13&10) love looking back at little family clips and pictures - all the more when it's with family now not with us

Good idea! I might get some film for the poloroids!

@Diggo2022

As it sounds like quite a busy Christmas, with a range of ages to take into account, I would be inclined to suggest looking at the various supermarkets which deliver and putting together an order for the food you need, booking a delivery.

Try to buy things which don't need a lot of preparation, leaving you available to spend time with your guests. It doesn't matter if the vegetables are bought ready to microwave!

It's worth checking with the guests about whether they have any preferences or dislikes - I know some people who don't like Christmas Pudding for instance, but who would adore a slice of Lemon Cheesecake instead!

Thanks guys! Great hosting tips!
We often host friends and family for dinners & weekends so feeling all good on that front, but I’d love to know how you make Christmas that extra special like games/quizzes/traditions etc!

😍