How do you spend Christmas Eve?

[NCD]

I love finding out about how different nationalities spend Christmas and this forum is perfect for it!

In all honesty Christmas Eve in our house is traditionally chaotic. I tend to rush around like a mad woman in the morning collecting last minute groceries and dropping any remain gifts before preparing what I can for dinner the following day. We the try to take the kids for a LONG walk to tire them out and ensure they actually get some sleep!

We then like to attend the carol service at out local church. Its great for the kids they have puppets singing the songs and just so much fun.

Once we get back we eat out with friends - this is my opportunity to breath and relax. When we return home normally around 7pm we begin all the exciting stuff selecting Santa's treat and drink, the elves drop some new PJ's for the kids and we sprinkle reindeer food out the front.

the children go to bed and I end up speed wrapping what ever we have left to do before santa essembles his gifts resulting in the grown ups going to bed around 2pm! YAWN

This year I hope it will be different with a very relaxed Christmas Eve with perhaps a visit to the cinema in the morning rather that lots of errands! I am full of good intentions!

222 big sleeps to go
Naomi
:merrychristmas:

[ornamentmaven]

I generally have a crowd for Christmas Eve buffet dinner- my husband's family- so I spend the day cooking. I usually rush to the seafood store first thing in the morning to pick up fresh shrimp and scallops. If I've forgotten anything, I stop for that as well. Once home, I pop in a Christmas cd and start cooking - shrimp cocktail, bacon wrapped scallops, chicken marsala, stuffed shells, sausage and peppers, clams casino, rice, antipasto salad and crab cakes. We go to mass at 5pm, then come home and serve the buffet dinner around 7 or 8pm. My kids are 26 and 17, so Santa doesn't get treats at our house any more - I miss that! Enjoy relaxing and chatting with the family until late

[Greetings !]

Both of your Christmas Eves sound just perfect!

I turn into Elf-zilla the morning of Christmas Eve, tearing about last-minute shopping and wrapping. DH cooks for the crowd that will gather at the home of his monster-in-law. By late afternoon, any minor disagreements will have escalated into arguments as we rush to load the car and schlep all the food and gifts to mums house. We setup the tables, finish preparing the food and drinks, smile for the crowd, ignore each other and spend the evening serving guests and opening presents.

After clean-up we escape home to a quiet bowl of crockpot potato soup (my favorite moment of the day) before heading to a peaceful midnight mass. After such a long day, my DH becomes a cheery Santa and delights in opening a few gifts before going to bed.

[christmasislove]

On Christmas Eve, we usually take a trip to the grocery store for any last minute food or gifts. We have a pretty relaxed day before we head out to the Christmas Eve Service at our church. Once we are done with that, we drive around a small neighborhood completely covered in luminaries & another where everyone on the whole block goes all out with decorations! we head to a family friends house since neither of our families get together on Christmas eve and we have a wonderful supper there then open presents together. After that we head home, open our christmas PJ's and head to bed! I love Christmas Eve almost as much as i love christmas day!:home:

[Mr. Christmas]

It sounds kinda strange but my wife takes our boys to het Aunts house, I'm always invited..But dont go, I stay home by myself and listen to my Favorite Christmas Cd, Have a few rum and cokes, wrap any gifts I forgot about, and just think about how lucky I am. to have what I am blessed with and be where I am.

[TheWire]

24th of December is my Grandma's birthday - so we usually go there, order a pizza, and take it easy. Might have to skip that this year if I have to work.

[TresReyes]

Christmas Eve has always been my favorite part of the holiday. From traditions passed down in my family to this year.

This year we will be at our home for the first time. Our daughter is 15 months old and we will be starting our traditions as a family. We used to go to my parent's home but this year they are coming up for Christmas Day.

My wife is cooking a large pork shoulder dinner(Spanish style), complete with a variety of sides (macaroni and cheese, sweet potatoes, other veggies etc. Dessert TBA, but decadent. (My father is bringing his desserts up on Christams Day)

Back to Christmas Eve. We will go to the Children's Mass at 5, drive and look at some lights and go home so we can enjoy the feast. Afterwards, play with our daughter, maybe show her The Grinch or Dora (her favorite), put her to bed and then my wife and I will relax by the fireplace and tree lights with some wine and movies.

[baumgar]

with my gf, of course. wonderful night. lol

[MinnesotaMike]

church, dinner, etc.

[jessicayy]

Christmas Eve is a special day fro me,as it is my birthday,i hope i can spend this day with my parents,but actually i didn't,because i work far away from home.i spend CHRISTMAS EVE with my friends:presents1:

[Christmas_mama]

,we don't actually have any Christmas eve traditions. The day before Christmas eve is my twin daughters' birthday so we usually have a busy day onthe 23rd :) It'll be nice to relax and recover on Christmas eve. We'll probably watch Christmas films in the day, do some Christmas baking with the girls - mince pies and gingerbread cookies usually, then we take the girls for a walk, hope for snow and build a snowman if we get it, dash to the supermarket if we happen to have forgotten anything, and feed the girls early and put them to bed by 6.30. Before going to bed, we let the girls put out some of the mince pies and cookies for Santa and a carrot for the reindeer. While I tuck them in, I tell them to listen very carefully to hear the bells on Santa's sleigh and my husband sits outside their room and rings some jingle bells outside their window :) this always encourages them to go to sleep straight away in case Santa catches them awake hehe Once the kids arein bed, hubby and I mull some wine, and set to work wrapping gifts for the girls' stockings. Once all the wrapping is done, we enjoy a glass of mulled wine, cheese and crackers, and the mince pies and cookies that we baked earlier :) I lay the stockings on their beds and go to bed myself - usually too excited to sleep! Hoho! :santahat:

[ornamentmaven]

,we don't actually have any Christmas eve traditions. The day before Christmas eve is my twin daughters' birthday so we usually have a busy day onthe 23rd :) It'll be nice to relax and recover on Christmas eve. We'll probably watch Christmas films in the day, do some Christmas baking with the girls - mince pies and gingerbread cookies usually, then we take the girls for a walk, hope for snow and build a snowman if we get it, dash to the supermarket if we happen to have forgotten anything, and feed the girls early and put them to bed by 6.30. Before going to bed, we let the girls put out some of the mince pies and cookies for Santa and a carrot for the reindeer. While I tuck them in, I tell them to listen very carefully to hear the bells on Santa's sleigh and my husband sits outside their room and rings some jingle bells outside their window :) this always encourages them to go to sleep straight away in case Santa catches them awake hehe Once the kids arein bed, hubby and I mull some wine, and set to work wrapping gifts for the girls' stockings. Once all the wrapping is done, we enjoy a glass of mulled wine, cheese and crackers, and the mince pies and cookies that we baked earlier :) I lay the stockings on their beds and go to bed myself - usually too excited to sleep! Hoho! :santahat:

My Dad always rang sleigh bells and "HoHoHo'ed" every Christmas Eve as well. I had forgotten about that. Thanks for reminding me!

[MinnesotaMike]

I know I could Google it, but I'm lazy. What is "mulled" wine?

[Christmas_mama]

I know I could Google it, but I'm lazy. What is "mulled" wine?

It's a spiced, heated wine. It's devine :smitten:

[ornamentmaven]

It's a spiced, heated wine. It's devine :smitten:

I have had it and enjoyed it! Not that common here in the States!

[Christmas_mama]

I have had it and enjoyed it! Not that common here in the States!

I've always had mulled wine around Christmas for as long as I can remember - even as a child I would have a small glass. If you separate it off before adding the gin, most of the alcohol is boiled out anyway :santahat:

[MinnesotaMike]

interesting. I should look up a recipe.

[Classic Christmas]

I love these type of threads :)

ABC Family's "25 Days of Christmas" is always on the TV, even if the sound is off.

Christmas music plays all day (we now have 67 hours of Christmas music on Windows Media)

Last-minute gift wrapping.

Christmas Eve Mass at 5:00. The church is just two blocks from mom's house, so we always walk to and from the service. Since I was a kid I would, and still do, pick up a handful of snow on the way home and hold on to it until entering the house, because Christmas Eve snow is the most special type of snow (I know, I know ...strange).

Food and music, laughter, drinks, and sometimes board games for the night. ABC Family still on in the background. Then I like to end the night by watching some of the mass from St. Peter's at midnight.

The most magical night of the year!

[Fezziwig]

We will normally travel to my Aunts house which out in North Western NJ and that means that 9 out of 10 Christmas' they will have some kind of snow -- even if it is just a dusting. Its great because I see extended family that I never get a chance to see during most of the year.

Normally we'll arrive around 330 or 4 in the afternoon and get re-antiquated with the family -- who's dating who, who's doing what in school, who's changed jobs.We're a bunch of LOUD Italians so you could imagine that there is quite a lot of chatter going on.

We normally start with Mussels and Oysters on the half-shell, shrimp cocktail, stuff like that. Then we'll move into the Main Course of Fish or Crabs, that's followed by the Caesar salad with Anchovies(!!), and then desert pastries and cookies --- I know everyone has different traditions but I personally can't see anyone eating Meat on Christmas Eve.

Normally after that some of the Family with young kids will start breaking off around 10. My Brothers, a couple Cousins, and I will often put the kids to 'bed' downstairs at My Aunt's (they always bring their Pajamas with them) And then we'll all head back to the dinning room late into the night telling stories over bottles of Sambuca.

I'm never home on Christmas Eve before 2 am. Thankfully my son is a good sleeper and, even though I end up carrying him to the car, sleeps through till the morning.

[ornamentmaven]

We will normally travel to my Aunts house which out in North Western NJ and that means that 9 out of 10 Christmas' they will have some kind of snow -- even if it is just a dusting. Its great because I see extended family that I never get a chance to see during most of the year.

Normally we'll arrive around 330 or 4 in the afternoon and get re-antiquated with the family -- who's dating who, who's doing what in school, who's changed jobs.We're a bunch of LOUD Italians so you could imagine that there is quite a lot of chatter going on.

We normally start with Mussels and Oysters on the half-shell, shrimp cocktail, stuff like that. Then we'll move into the Main Course of Fish or Crabs, that's followed by the Caesar salad with Anchovies(!!), and then desert pastries and cookies --- I know everyone has different traditions but I personally can't see anyone eating Meat on Christmas Eve.

Normally after that some of the Family with young kids will start breaking off around 10. My Brothers, a couple Cousins, and I will often put the kids to 'bed' downstairs at My Aunt's (they always bring their Pajamas with them) And then we'll all head back to the dinning room late into the night telling stories over bottles of Sambuca.

I'm never home on Christmas Eve before 2 am. Thankfully my son is a good sleeper and, even though I end up carrying him to the car, sleeps through till the morning.

Very similar to our Christmas Eve - right down to the "loud" Italian family!

[JollyElfDC]

interesting. I should look up a recipe.

There is one on the recipe forum. You can also get a prefab one from Trader Joe's (I don't know if they have those in Minnesota)I also think I saw it at World Market.:elf3:

[no_1_christmas_fan]

We have a Christmas buffet with a few drinks normally on Christmas Eve. Then we get in the mood for the big day by watching some films.

[Stacey.]

Just stay at home with a lovely warm fire

[Christmas_mama]

My mum has asked us to go round hers on Christmas Eve this year. It's not something we usually do, but should be nice :)

[ChristmasFairy]

For many, many years it became a bit of a tradition for us to have a crowd at our house on Christmas Eve. Was always a lot of fun and set the mood for the next day.

However since we moved here, I've spent the last few years simply wrapping presents whilst enjoying the Christmas Carols presentation on TV:presents1:

[Mazzy]

Well usually it would be me running around getting presents and panicking then when i finally get home persuading Hubby to wrap the presents (not his). After that is done open a bottle of cherry brandy and get a little bit tipsy. However last year i discovered NORAD website so i was watching NORAD, playing World of Warcraft and getting VERY tipsy. This year im going to be heavily pregnant so its going to be NORAD, Warcraft and hot chocolate!

[JollyElfDC]

Congratulations on your new addition Mazzy!:yahoo:

[King Rick]

The plan this year is going to be the same as every other year that I can remember. I'll wake up, go spend time with my brother where we'll go to the mall because one of us has forgotten a gift for somebody and we need to take care of that. The afternoon is usually spent with NORAD open on the laptop while gifts are being wrapped, tunes playing in the background. In the evening, I make my once a year trip to church, as a favour to my grandparents who always request that I play a few songs on my guitar for the congregation. Afterwards I head to my grandmothers where my dads side of the family gathers and we have a few drinks and share some laughs before parting ways and heading to bed, knowing that the big day is just hours away

[storm85]

Me and hubby live with our inlaws so we usually dont have to do much as my MIL loves to cook and hates anyone helping her so we only have to decorate and wrap presents which we get done early.
I work 5 mins from home so usually I will work on christmas eve and hubby will be home. Our work does a BBQ and we will stop around lunch and just eat and enjoy ourselves an sit around and chat whilst slowly doing work and having a couple of beers. Hubby will stay at home and usually play video games or help tidy up a bit around the house.

I usually finish up at around 3-4. I will go home and usually sit around with Hubby and watch a bunch of tv show christmas specials. wait until it gets dark then sit out in the street with all the neighbours watching christmas lights and have cheese crackers nibblies and drinks. everyone in the street does little tealights in papperbags. So the street usually has a christmas eve party. They will laugh and drink till just before midnight then they all go quiet and then scream "Merry Christmas". Then we all stumble home tipsy and go to sleep.

I usually get up around 4-5 and pull out hubby's presents and fill his stocking. Then go back to bed until around 6:30

[Xmas24]

Once we wake up on christmas eve, we usually have a bacon sandwich and a coffee with cream. A little tradition but it starts the day off well..

We would usually watch a christmas movie or programme earlier on in the morning, santa claus the movie or home alone or such of the like. We would then arrange to meet family and friends and do any last minute preparations foodwise or gifts. At about 15:00 hours, we visit the cemetary to and lay flowers down for my auntie. This brings the family together for the festive period, which im sure shed of loved. We all go seperate ways until about 18:00 were we eat out as a family at a pub/restaurant we use every year. The food is great and it has a real homely and festive feel to the place.

We usually stay at the pub until about 20:00 and then younger generation would get excited about Santas visit checking Norad Santa to check on his location. We would then go back home and watch the nights tele and prepare for xmas dinner and santas visit.

First post, hello all. Hope youre all looking forward to christmas as much as myself this year.

[DreamSanta]

Going to mass and then eating cookies

[HolidaySeason]

In my family, Christmas Eve is all about relaxation. Spend it just chilling out, and we usually have a Chinese takeaway. Followed by some mince pies, watching Christmas TV. Love it! :)

[frostythesnowman]

hummmm!....well christmas eve we used to be stuck in the kitchen preparing christmas dinner for 18 guests.....but now that we have the twins its all change....probably chill out get the kids presents ready for christmas morning and have a few glasses of red wine with my wife........:treedance:

[Noelle]

Chillin' during the day, probably put the presents under the tree if it hasn't already been done, and then church.

[aLEKSA.]

With my familly !

[ornamentmaven]

This is the first year in memory that I won't have guests and a big buffet on Christmas Eve! Sad!

[ChristmasFairy]

This is the first year in memory that I won't have guests and a big buffet on Christmas Eve! Sad!
I so understand that OM. I went through that a few years ago when we moved to Australia ....

Prior to that, Christmas Eve gathering at our house had become a tradition over many years and it took a bit of getting used to the fact that that era was gone and no more .... but circumstances change !!

The past few Christmas Eves I've spent it watching the Carols by Candle Light program on TV and wrapping last minute presents

[ldiliberto]

We go to church on Christmas eve with the kids so we can relax on Christmas day

[Elf_Erv]

drinking eggnog

[Falksonchristmas]

Here in Sweden we celebrate Christmas on 24.th. usually we go up quite early to go visiting the cemeteries where our parents are, we light candles and put hyacinths on the graves. In the afternoon, we start by watching Donald Duck and his friends wish Merry Christmas. A program that includes clips from several of Disney favorites, and anything from a new film from the past year. After that, we sit down to eat Christmas dinner, in the evening, then Santa Claus will visit with presents. The evening then go in peacefulness signs we hang out and have it cozy. On Christmas Day, then it's just peace and quiet maybe a long walk if the weather allows.

[Mistletoe]

I was wondering if anyone's family ever dances on Christmas Eve or Day. I was just reading about them doing it in 'merry olde England' and it sounds so festive...

[Mistletoe]

This is the first year in memory that I won't have guests and a big buffet on Christmas Eve! Sad!

Are you going to have your buffet Christmas Eve this year?

[ornamentmaven]

Yes - last year my sister-in-law wanted to have it, so I let her do something for a change!!!

[E.S.]

Christmas Eve is my favorite day of the year. It consists of me, my wife and my son eating shrimp gumbo, listening to great Christmas music and going for a drive to look at the Christmas lights around town. Right before we all turn in for the night, my son and I watch the first Futurama Christmas special. After my son goes to bed, my wife and I usually put out the presents (even though our son is almost 17, it's tradition) and then we relax in bed while watching either the Nutcracker or Christmas Eve Mass at the Vatican.
It's just a fun, quiet evening for the three of us.

[ChantelleJoy]

Christmas Eve is my favorite day of the year. It consists of me, my wife and my son eating shrimp gumbo, listening to great Christmas music and going for a drive to look at the Christmas lights around town. Right before we all turn in for the night, my son and I watch the first Futurama Christmas special. After my son goes to bed, my wife and I usually put out the presents (even though our son is almost 17, it's tradition) and then we relax in bed while watching either the Nutcracker or Christmas Eve Mass at the Vatican.
It's just a fun, quiet evening for the three of us.

That sounds like a wonderful tradition! Thanks for sharing and welcome to the forum!!!!

[Mistletoe]

Christmas Eve is my favorite day of the year. It consists of me, my wife and my son eating shrimp gumbo, listening to great Christmas music and going for a drive to look at the Christmas lights around town. Right before we all turn in for the night, my son and I watch the first Futurama Christmas special. After my son goes to bed, my wife and I usually put out the presents (even though our son is almost 17, it's tradition) and then we relax in bed while watching either the Nutcracker or Christmas Eve Mass at the Vatican.
It's just a fun, quiet evening for the three of us.

That sounds really nice. :santa-smiley:

[steph535]

Christmas Eve is my favorite day of the year. It consists of me, my wife and my son eating shrimp gumbo, listening to great Christmas music and going for a drive to look at the Christmas lights around town. Right before we all turn in for the night, my son and I watch the first Futurama Christmas special. After my son goes to bed, my wife and I usually put out the presents (even though our son is almost 17, it's tradition) and then we relax in bed while watching either the Nutcracker or Christmas Eve Mass at the Vatican.
It's just a fun, quiet evening for the three of us.

That sounds really special. Thanks for sharing!

[steph535]

We have been spending it with my only sister for at least the past few years. We listen to some Christmas music, enjoy some homemade cookies and goodies, sometimes watch A Christmas Carol with George C Scott, but more often not, but we always sing Christmas carols together. My BIL can harmonize with anything. After everyone is in bed (which can be very late, since everyone is at least 18,) my sister and I fill stockings. And, of course, we sit and talk and stare at the tree, lol. Sometimes we play a game, like maybe charades or balderdash

[kerrykelin]

Christmas time is associated with family and friends. I love to decorate Christmas tree, Christmas music and Christmas treats. There are many other things:
* Send Christmas cards and gifts to loved ones.
* Plan an outing that you can go to, and that is open on Christmas day.
* Go for a movie.
Christmas time is the perfect time to celebrate with us. Enter the best clubs in London and celebrate the perfect Christmas party with family and friends.

[olga]

Christmas Eve spend the whole day with mum cooking!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Later, we all sit together and enjoy our dinner, while all talking so much loud that we can not understand each other!!!!! hahaaha!!!!!

[ornamentmaven]

Spent Christmas Eve cooking with my daughter ...and waiting in line at the seafood store! Family and friends came over at 6:30. Had a great time. It's now 9am on Christmas Day and I'm the only one up! It's actually nice to have some quiet time!

[Mistletoe]

Later, we all sit together and enjoy our dinner, while all talking so much loud that we can not understand each other!!!!! hahaaha!!!!!

Good times! :elf3:

[ornamentmaven]

Well, I've already been thinking about my Christmas Eve buffet menu. If I do end up hosting it this year, my menu will most likely be:

Lobster Crepes
Fried Scallops
Stuffed Clams
Shrimp Cocktail
Crab dip with veggies
Crackers and Cheese
Long Grain and Wild Rice
Chicken Marsala
Swedish Meatballs
Caesar Salad
Garlic Bread
Homemade Fruitcake and Cookies

[JollyElfDC]

Well, I've already been thinking about my Christmas Eve buffet menu. If I do end up hosting it this year, my menu will most likely be:

Lobster Crepes
Fried Scallops
Stuffed Clams
Shrimp Cocktail
Crab dip with veggies
Crackers and Cheese
Long Grain and Wild Rice
Chicken Marsala
Swedish Meatballs
Caesar Salad
Garlic Bread
Homemade Fruitcake and Cookies

If anyone is looking for me this Christmas eve, I'll be at ornamentmaven's house!:christmasdinner:

[snowbell1]

I have a few close friends and some family and we have lots of food and confections there is so much and we enjoy christmas carols and just enjoy being together,for me to list foods it would take alot of reading lol.:christmastree:

[ornamentmaven]

If anyone is looking for me this Christmas eve, I'll be at ornamentmaven's house!:christmasdinner:

You're welcome! I will probably update this menu several times before the actual meal is served. LOL

[wstaple]

For years we went to my wife's parents' house with several other family members. As all of the families have grown up, and some have moved away, we've had to alter our Christmas Eve celebration and have it when as many of us as possible are in town. As my in-laws are now in their upper-80s and the crowd has increased, we've moved the get-together to our house. We usually have eggs, cheese grits, country ham, baked apricots and homemade rolls. Dessert is typically something like cookies, fudge or truffles. We watch the kids in the family open their presents, then the adults do the annual Dirty Santa Gift Exchange.

If we get together on a night other than Christmas Eve, my wife, 2 daughters, son-in-law and I go to one of the Christmas Eve services at our church, then home for dinner and just hanging out watching Christmas movies for the evening.

[snowbell1]

I go to church,then back home and enjoy a nice get together with friends and family and lots of food,christmas carols being sung,it's so nice.:christmastree:6731

[Shanniclause]

Santa comes to daddy's house here on Xmas Eve morning, and to my son's mom's on Xmas morning.

We wake up really early on Xmas Eve, and my son opens all his presents. I then make chocolate chip pancakes, bacon or sausage, and hashbrowns for me, my boy and my wife.

Then at noon, we go to my parent's house for a family gathering that consist of a fantastic feast, followed by gifts. Then that evening, my son's mother comes to get him so that he can do it all over again at her house the next day.

[ornamentmaven]

Santa comes to daddy's house here on Xmas Eve morning, and to my son's mom's on Xmas morning.

We wake up really early on Xmas Eve, and my son opens all his presents. I then make chocolate chip pancakes, bacon or sausage, and hashbrowns for me, my boy and my wife.

Then at noon, we go to my parent's house for a family gathering that consist of a fantastic feast, followed by gifts. Then that evening, my son's mother comes to get him so that he can do it all over again at her house the next day.

Lucky boy!

[Eric Brown]

Just like every year! We go to church, give wishes, gifts to each other, enjoy food with friends and family and lots of songs and fun.....

[JollyElfDC]

I usually host Christmas dinner at my house on the 25th,. Since I started doing that, my tradition for Christmas eve is to cook by rear end off, so I can have as much made ahead as possible for Christmas day. Then I finish cleaning the house.
I wouldn't mind a new tradition! :elf3:

[ornamentmaven]

I usually host Christmas dinner at my house on the 25th,. Since I started doing that, my tradition for Christmas eve is to cook by rear end off, so I can have as much made ahead as possible for Christmas day. Then I finish cleaning the house.
I wouldn't mind a new tradition! :elf3:

That's how I spend Christmas Eve day, so on Christmas Day - I am so exhausted, all I want to do is sleep!

[JollyElfDC]

That's how I spend Christmas Eve day, so on Christmas Day - I am so exhausted, all I want to do is sleep!
I remember you posting your Christmas eve menu. It sounded delicious, but a lot of work. I know you said Christmas dinner is just you immediate family. Do you assign that one to your daughters or do you feast on left overs from Christmas eve? I always tell people I am not cooking two big meals. If I have overnight guests, we eat out Christmas eve, and Christmas morning is store bought muffins, cheese and fruit.
I know some people who have a big Christmas eve dinner, then a big Christmas morning brunch, and then a big Christmas dinner. I love to eat, and I'm no light weight, but I wonder how those folks pack away so much food in such a short period of time.

[ornamentmaven]

I remember you posting your Christmas eve menu. It sounded delicious, but a lot of work. I know you said Christmas dinner is just you immediate family. Do you assign that one to your daughters or do you feast on left overs from Christmas eve? I always tell people I am not cooking two big meals. If I have overnight guests, we eat out Christmas eve, and Christmas morning is store bought muffins, cheese and fruit.
I know some people who have a big Christmas eve dinner, then a big Christmas morning brunch, and then a big Christmas dinner. I love to eat, and I'm no light weight, but I wonder how those folks pack away so much food in such a short period of time.

Last year I didn't cook at all for Christmas! We sold our house on Dec 17th and didn't move into our new one until Jan 8! It was a surreal Christmas celebration! We actually spent 3 days at a dude ranch and had a lot of fun! I actually am looking forward to all the cooking this year! We all help out with the cooking on Christmas Day and usually make a nice, but simple menu (Roast beef, baked potatoes, salad, veggies and leftover cookies and cake). For breakfast, we have either a store-bought quiche and fruit salad or my daughter will make a bread pudding - eaten while we open gifts!

[JollyElfDC]

Last year I didn't cook at all for Christmas! We sold our house on Dec 17th and didn't move into our new one until Jan 8! It was a surreal Christmas celebration! We actually spent 3 days at a dude ranch and had a lot of fun! I actually am looking forward to all the cooking this year! We all help out with the cooking on Christmas Day and usually make a nice, but simple menu (Roast beef, baked potatoes, salad, veggies and leftover cookies and cake). For breakfast, we have either a store-bought quiche and fruit salad or my daughter will make a bread pudding - eaten while we open gifts!
I would love to do a beef roast for Christmas (particularly prime rib) unfortunately with beef, Murphy's law always dictates that one guest likes their beef rare and another likes it well done. I'm not going to spend the money on prime rib and have disappointed guests.I suppose I could make it the way I like it (medium), and then make a turkey breast or something too.:confused:

[ornamentmaven]

I would love to do a beef roast for Christmas (particularly prime rib) unfortunately with beef, Murphy's law always dictates that one guest likes their beef rare and another likes it well done. I'm not going to spend the money on prime rib and have disappointed guests.I suppose I could make it the way I like it (medium), and then make a turkey breast or something too.:confused:

I hear you! Not a problem fo me since we all pretty much like it the same - medium - and it's only the immediate family!

[Shanniclause]

Well, since my son's mom and I aren't together, Santa comes to my house Christmas Eve morning :)
On the night of the 23rd, we watch Christmas movies. At bedtime, I read my son "Twas the Night Before Christmas".
Christmas Eve morning is when the magic takes place :) Such a great moment watching the twinkle in my boy's eye knowing that Santa has rewarded him for being so good!

After that, we assemble and play with toys. At about 2 pm, we go to my parent's house where my sisters and their families all gather for a feast, gift exchange, and some good hearted family time. At about 8 pm, my son's mom picks him up so that the magic can happen Christmas morning at her house. After my son leaves from my house, I have a few friends over for drinks and food and we all revel in the beauty of the season!

[chocolatechip1979]

On Christmas Eve we bake cookies for Santa (and us of course). Peel some carrots for the reindeer. Sneak into our stockings. Watch a lot more holiday movies and then end the night packing up in the car with cocoa and cruising to look at the Christmas lights..

[Fluffysnow]

This has changed through the years before we would go to my grandmas and have a buffet and watch a movie or just sit and chat.
Then my mum used to do a mini buffet for just my immediate family and we would watch a movie. This is how it currently is but when my mum had to work Christmas eve so I did the buffet with my dad. We get to open a gift that my mum chooses, this is usually a bag or stocking full of sweets(candy) and chocolate.

[Elf_Erv]

I spend Christmas eve in an eggnog stupor

[wstaple]

We're starting a new tradition this year for Christmas Eve. Our family is going to afternoon brunch (didn't know there was such a thing) with our oldest daughter's in-laws before going to the Christmas Eve service at church. We're eating at a place called The Mockingbird Restaurant, and it looks really neat. It's in an old farmhouse just south of Franklin in Spring Hill.

http://themockingbirdrestaurant.com/index.html

[ornamentmaven]

Christmas Eve will be quiet this year. My Mom is going to visit my sister and her family out west (Seattle). My husband's family is now too far away to just drop in for our Christmas Eve buffet. So, I guess it will just be the 4 of us and maybe one of the boyfriends! I still plan to make a (scaled down) version of our Christmas Eve seafood buffet - it wouldn't be the Eve without it!

[Mistletoe]

On Christmas Eve we bake cookies for Santa (and us of course). Peel some carrots for the reindeer. Sneak into our stockings. Watch a lot more holiday movies and then end the night packing up in the car with cocoa and cruising to look at the Christmas lights..

That sounds cozy! I'm glad you don't forget the reindeer! But, how do you sneak into the stockings before Santa comes?

[Mistletoe]

I remember you posting your Christmas eve menu. It sounded delicious, but a lot of work. I know you said Christmas dinner is just you immediate family. Do you assign that one to your daughters or do you feast on left overs from Christmas eve? I always tell people I am not cooking two big meals. If I have overnight guests, we eat out Christmas eve, and Christmas morning is store bought muffins, cheese and fruit.
I know some people who have a big Christmas eve dinner, then a big Christmas morning brunch, and then a big Christmas dinner. I love to eat, and I'm no light weight, but I wonder how those folks pack away so much food in such a short period of time.

I really wish I liked to cook. It sounds like it could be a creative, satisfying thing.
And if the food is anything chocolate, I can fit about 5 times as much into me.

[chocolatechip1979]

We spend it baking for all of our neighbors on the block, having a family dinner then we drive around looking at decorated homes while sipping on cocoa and consuming McDonalds fries. Hasn't changed in years.

[pol.bishop25]

I usually spend it with my ex wife and our parents in one place. Even though we're divorced, we're still on good terms and like to keep it that way for the sake of our child.

[Bishop1954]

An early dinner, then over for Christmas Eve services at the church and finally a Christmas themed movie or special on TV. At the end of the evening when everyone else has gone to bed, I sleep right by the trees (yes, several) until the morning.

[Christmasgirl80]

Just stay home and watch 24 hours of A Christmas Story on TBS

[Bishop1954]

I have noticed that they do run that each year. I like the idea that it comes on enough so many people will have the chance to view it completely. Me, I have a really tough time watching the same movie even in the same month, but my wife can watch the same film over and over again...

[snowbell1]

It's going to be just family enjoying time together having some snacks and watching christmas movies while the woodstove is adding to our cozy family christmas.

[Bishop1954]

Not certain yet. We are tryiing to get a close family settled in a new city and state, so I will play it by ear...

[Mistletoe]

At the end of the evening when everyone else has gone to bed, I sleep right by the trees (yes, several) until the morning.
Ha! That's great. Do you keep them lit? And has your wife ever joined you?

[Bishop1954]

Ha! That's great. Do you keep them lit? And has your wife ever joined you?

Yes, they stay lit all night as well. No, she thinks it is cute, but not for her on the floor all night. She does check on me now and then... lol :smitten:

[Elf_Erv]

watching a Christmas movie and sipping eggnog

[Bishop1954]

I'm thinking of a change for this year, if I can get the wife to stay up. Sit in a pair of recliners, sipping on hot chocolate, a piece of French Silk pie and a nice Christmas Movie (maybe from Hallmark)... :familytree:

[chocolatechip1979]

At home with my family and friends. Baking and crafting. Then around 8pm we go out and look at Christmas lights

[Bishop1954]

Sounds nice. Hope you have a big vehicle... :reindeer2:

[snowbell1]

This year will be different but,very nice just my son and i and our furbabes sitting around watching christmas movies and enjoying some hot chocolate and snacks that we've made just enjoying a quiet cozy evening.:christmastree:

[Bishop1954]

The only thing I have not decided upon yet is what to prepare for my Christmas Eve dinner, but I'm certain candlelight will be a priority... :home:

[Mistletoe]

This year will be different. One of my sisters and her husband have covid (not severe) and we were exposed, so we're in quarantine. Luckily, memories of warm Christmas Pasts are warming my Christmas Present. :home:

Waiting on Santa, who currently is in Madrid, Spain!

Hope everyone is having a marvelous Christmas Eve! :christmastree:

[Bishop1954]

This year we had some friends over for dinner and then my wife and I sat by a roaring fire, watching the DVR Hollywood Christmas parade. After midnight, I did make a Santa run to a friends house... :merrychristmas:

[Mistletoe]

After midnight, I did make a Santa run to a friends house... :merrychristmas:
You're an inspiration. :angel:

[Bishop1954]

You are far too kind... thank you. :xmascandycane:

[Mistletoe]

JollyElfDC- how are your Christmas Eve plans coming along? Is the ham on the menu?

[JollyElfDC]

JollyElfDC- how are your Christmas Eve plans coming along? Is the ham on the menu?

I’m sooo behind this year! I have purchased the ham and have to hit up Costco and the bakery tomorrow.
The house however is in total disarray! I was actually thinking I would have all my renovations and redecorating done. Some of my new furniture hasn’t arrived, and some of my old furniture is still taking up space. I really wanted to welcome everyone to my freshly painted and updated home. I guess there’s always next year. They’re my friends, so I know they won’t care, but not having Christmas since 2018, I really wanted everything to be perfect.

[Mistletoe]

I’m sooo behind this year! I have purchased the ham and have to hit up Costco and the bakery tomorrow.
The house however is in total disarray! I was actually thinking I would have all my renovations and redecorating done. Some of my new furniture hasn’t arrived, and some of my old furniture is still taking up space. I really wanted to welcome everyone to my freshly painted and updated home. I guess there’s always next year. They’re my friends, so I know they won’t care, but not having Christmas since 2018, I really wanted everything to be perfect.
Oh, I can imagine your disappointment. But how nice to celebrate again after 4 years! Good luck in the rest of your preparations and I hope you have time for some breathers to take in the moment. I'll be thinking of you all enjoying your longed for ham dinner and your nutcracker napkin rings! :tree::waving:

[Bishop1954]

Going to Cracker Barrel in the morning for Christmas Eve breakfast, then my wife will check out the store and probably get a stocking stuffer or two for each of us... :santa:

[Mistletoe]

This was the first year we were back at Christmas Eve mass, out to dinner afterward (different place) and then over to a neighbor's gathering. Was nice to normalize.

[Bishop1954]

This was the first year we were back at Christmas Eve mass, out to dinner afterward (different place) and then over to a neighbor's gathering. Was nice to normalize.

Sounds wonderful. We stayed up till just past midnight. Had dessert and coffee before retiring... :xmaswink:

[Elf_Erv]

watch Hallmark Christmas movies and drink lots eggnogs :snowman:

[Bishop1954]

watch Hallmark Christmas movies and drink lots eggnogs :snowman:

I'll go along with the first part, but change the second to Hot Chocolate. Getting a bit too old to sleep by the tree on Christmas Eve... lol :waving:

[Mistletoe]

Getting a bit too old to sleep by the tree on Christmas Eve... lol :waving:

Aw! Sad to see that tradition go...

[Bishop1954]

Me too, but waking up with a bad back to start Christmas day is even more depressing... lol :santa:

[Mistletoe]

Me too, but waking up with a bad back to start Christmas day is even more depressing... lol :santa:
True!

[Bishop1954]

Looks like a change for this Christmas Eve. My wife's band has decided to all get together on Christmas Eve to celebrate. It will be the first time since I can remember that I did not spend a quiet Christmas Eve... :tree:

[Mistletoe]

Looks like a change for this Christmas Eve. My wife's band has decided to all get together on Christmas Eve to celebrate. It will be the first time since I can remember that I did not spend a quiet Christmas Eve... :tree:
Is that a good thing for you? Or would you prefer the quiet?

[Bishop1954]

Is that a good thing for you? Or would you prefer the quiet?

Actually a quiet evening is what I prefer and now (as luck would have it) the get together is on the 23rd... :tree:

[Mistletoe]

Actually a quiet evening is what I prefer and now (as luck would have it) the get together is on the 23rd... :tree:
I'm glad for you. :elf3:

[Bishop1954]

I'm glad for you. :elf3:

I appreciate that. We will have an early dinner and then watch a Christmas movie in the family room by the fireplace... :santa1: