Different Christmas ideas needed please. Only 3 this year

[Ohdearwhatcanthematterb]

Hi
Normally we have a big Christmas but this year for various reasons it’s just my husband, myself and our 20 year old son. I feel happy and sad in equal measures. Mainly a bit sad. We did wonder about going away for a few days. I want to make it nice for my 20 year old. Any ideas? Off the wall/alternative or not! I’d love some inspiration. 🙏

Do you mean for food or what to do for Christmas generally/as a whole?

I'd scale down the food - so roast a duck or turkey crown instead of whole bird. If you're only pleasing yourselves then pick the things you each like and have those. If you're not cooking for a crowd maybe get things which are pre-prepared for minimal work on the day. Treat yourselves to things you wouldn't normally perhaps.

I've always had Christmas with just me and the kids.

Every year I do BBQ, slightly fancier than the usual summer ones, and I do the trimmings as well, but that's our little tradition.

The bonus of there only being 3 of you is that you don’t have anyone to please. Speak to your 20yo. Is there anything he really enjoys about Christmas that you could make sure to include?

Could do gin/whiskey/alcohol tasting, Christmas films in comfy clothes, games night or similar if you like a lowkey Christmas.

If you like the busier Christmas, could go to New York or another big city to be amongst people. See the lights, go for dinner, do a show.

Agree about picking the things you all love most about Christmas and ignoring the rest.

Spreading Christmas cheer over a longer period takes the pressure off the day for me - ds will disappear for large chunks of the day so I don’t want to feel miserable. We have a neighbours drinks evening - maybe organise one if you don’t have one? I go collecting ivy for decoration one day, a special trip to buy the cheese for the cheeseboard another day (the cheeseboard is BIG in our house).

Yes, to tailoring Christmas to what you like especially 20 y.o.
Also maybe trying something completely different might be interesting e.g if you always do it at home how about having Christmas dinner at a restaurant or going away to a cabin somewhere .

Just do whatever you would like to do?!

I had one Xmas just me, dp and 3 yo dd. I was heavily pregnant (10 days overdue, gave birth boxing day). We bought charlie Bingham meals for dinner and just chilled out. It was great (until the contractions started!)

if for sad reasons like a bereavement or break up them maybe a trip away to a nice hotel where they cook for you (uk or hot sun) is on the cards although very expensive! I think yummy food and movie day and a good walk. Maybe go to church on Xmas eve or morning if you’re into that to connect with community.

If you have a spare room, you might consider inviting an international student. I did it for years and met some very interesting people.
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Thanks everyone! It’s not for sad reasons, just kids away travelling and not our turn to host parents. 20 year old is a bit anti social which I’m worried will be accentuated. He does love cheese though so maybe a trip to get cheese is a good idea. Maybe I’ll get him to pick a film. Neighbours to drinks. Collecting ivy are good ideas. Going away is definitely an option….

I would give serious consideration to going away somewhere cold and snowy (personal recommendations from me are Iceland and Norway). Depending on what you all enjoy you could do a thermal hot spring spa, sight seeing, hikes, whale watching, burrowing away in a cabin.
If you’re used to a busy Christmas at home, being away could be totally refreshing.

Take Christmas out of the equation and imagine your nicest idea of a day together just the three of you. Take the pressure of a magical Christmas off of yourself first and start from there.

When there onl 3 of us we don't do a roast. We've had crispy duck, lamb curry with sides from our favourite takeaway. Last year we had paella.