Christmas Family Gathering

Sezzagirl

Now, I know I'm getting ahead here but this was mentioned yesterday and now I'm starting to worry about it!:cool:

In the past, we have always got together with OH's family for an afternoon/evening at Christmas time. That is OH's parents, OH, me +2 kids + OH's 2 brothers + 2 kids + their OH's. We've gathered at one of our houses - the hosts usually cater some sort of buffet and we exchange presents.

This year it's going to be very different!:(

Both brother's now do not have OH's. The "children" are all growing up - oldest is 19 and at uni, youngest is 12. OH's parents are also getting older and less able to cope with everyone

Our traditional day doesn't feel right any more. With my S-i-L's missing, I feel like I'm out on my own. The kids can't be persuaded to play the silly games that used to pass the time and the whole thing just feel awkward

I wonder if any of you clever people can come up with any ideas to make our gathering better or suggest an alternative - maybe a Christmas outing - that would suit our many different personalities!

Thanks

wik

Hi Sezza,
You have almost posted exactly what I was coming to this thread to ask about!
We have always in past had big family celebrations, but my mum died last year, my brother has remarried and has a new baby and wants to spend 1st christmas - just them at home! So for 2nd year in a row I am faced with just my elderly (very depressed) father, and DD's aged 13 and 16, so if you dont mind I shall follow this thread for some great ideas

kayandy_2

how about not having a gathering and ust having xmas dinner together or just spending xmas as you oh and kiddies then visiting everyone else boxing day?? im not really sure if that helps at all!! maybe you could go out for a nice meal together after xmas or go and see a panto or go look at the lights or something all together on the run up or after xmas instead of making your day feel less special through worrying!! not really sre what to sugest although im sure some other lovlies from here will be able to help!!

edt- my family all used to get together xmas day and me and my sister were the yungest so my mum got a wii for us and some games to play on xmas day in order to get everyone to join in etc it was so funny watching my granparents tryig to do the different activities and everyone enjoyed it!! maybe thats an idea if you have to have everyone round or you could have a little xmas party and invite even more people in order to cater to everyone!1