Hi.
Was just wondering if anyone does Christmas just them and their child/ren and how it is?
Family situation is that we always all went to parents house for Christmas dinner, drinks and snacks etc leave later in the evening say 10pm ish.
Parents downsized a couple of years ago to a smaller place.
I attempted having 9 people (one was a baby) at mine the first year. I live in a 2 bed flat with an open plan lounge and kitchen. We just about fit but it was sooooo cramped and you couldn't move easily. Also boiling hot! Didn't enjoy it at all and felt very overwhelmed.
The next year my brother SIL and little one was with her family and my DC was with her dad Xmas day. So that left 5 of us which was way better space wise but my mum always has too much to drink, starts sprouting unwanted opinions at everyone and said something that really hurt me last year and I've still not forgotten.
I called last orders at 8pm last year and sent them all home as I'd had enough by then and wanted to watch the soaps in peace.
Overwhelmed again but not as bad as the first year.
This year we were saying maybe best to have our own dinners and meet in the afternoon, mum kept saying 'your grandad used to say once we'd married and moved out that's it you make your own Christmas now' so felt this was what she wanted.
So - I'm feeling a bit weird about it but suppose it is easiest and less overwhelming for me, but want to make sure it's still fun and exciting for my DC who is 10 (and knows there isn't a Santa!)
Does anyone have any traditions for those who have Xmas just them and kids? What makes it nice and fun just for you?