Anyone ever done a Christmas meal just you and the kids?

[limitlessenergykid]

I mean a meal out. This year we’re going to my parents which has already turned into a drama, by big sis wants to come along and just split with her DH, she wants to bring her best friend who drinks a lot and I don’t really want her round my DC, plus my dad isn’t on board.

Anyway. I’m thinking next year just have it DH, me and the kids who will be 7 and 3.5 at this point. Anyone else done this before?
I usually imagine meals out are big groups.

We always have Christmas just the 4 of us because we don't have any extended family.

A meal out that I did not have to cook just the 4 of us sounds blissful.

If we go out we go as a three; me, DH and DS (7) and it’s often a mix of smaller tables and groups so I don’t think it’s unusual. Could you maybe invite your mum and dad out instead and then if the friend tags along she might be inclined to rein it in in public?