Christmas Day!

wiggywoo9

Ok, so there are issues with family again, any of you have read past posts of mine will have some idea, but hey ho, long story. We were going to get a taxi to theirs on Xmas after our own present opening & breakfast, for lunch at theirs (full Christmas dinner) and relax and go home in the evening.

That's starting to look a little unlikely, so I'm looking at other options. All my past Christmases I've been with family, open gifts, have other family round like my Nan, full Xmas lunch, relax in evening with sandwiches. It worked, all fine. Now this is my first year in my own home- I'm a single mum with no family except the 'problem' ones and there's just my 2 year old boy.

I live a good way out from my city so I was debating on getting a taxi anyway to a nearby pub/restaurant for Christmas dinner and one home. BUT that is going to cost me a fair bit, I'm guessing.

OR I stay in, we have a nice croissant luxury breakfast and I try to make dinner myself. I only have a halogen oven, single hob and microwave. No oven. Roast dinners are often tricky but seem to go better if I cook in segments of meat. I also only have a small freezer so storing everything may be a issue. There is no room or facility for an oven in my maisonette.

What seems a better idea and has anyone tried either scenario?

I'd like to start some traditions of doing Christmas. I also want to be self-sufficient so if family doesn't work out, we don't have any sudden problems. I need it all to be well for my tot too. Any tips on Christmas alone with just a child, would be welcome too!

Thank you!

MrsE_2

Do you have room & connections for a proper cooker, if so you could get a cheap second hand one.

wiggywoo9

No there isn't any room for one, its pretty tiny, and if I could fit one in, it would block off all cupboards and access to sink.

Funky_Bold_Ribena

Pan fry some chicken, make roast spuds in the halogen oven and cook some veggie on the hob. Spend christmas day with the little one and maybe go out for a walk mid afternoon to get some fresh air. Make your own traditions.

LannieDuck

Your little boy won't know if it's not a 'proper' roast dinner, so it's just you that you have to fool

If you don't have space, don't do a whole turkey. Perhaps you could just cook the breast/leg and save the rest for another time?

Get yourself and son a Christmas tree and decorate the flat with tinsel / paper chains (is he old enough to help make the chains?). You could cut out some snowflakes with him to stick on the windows.

With some presents to open in the morning and perhaps a nice Christmas film on telly in the afternoon, little boy should be very happy

zaxdog

You could make a joint in a slow cooker if you have one, then spuds in the halogen oven.

The things your wee lad will remember as he gets older are the daft things probably so writing letters to Santa (in these modern times I think that NASA or someone do a Santa Tracker online lol), playing with his new toys, breakfast in his PJs etc

Hope you both have a lovely day x

LannieDuck

Ohh, an advent calendar for December, and of course he'll need to hang his stocking out for Santa on Christmas eve

Could you find a CD of Christmas songs for Christmas day?

...and a glass of Bucks fizz for Mum with breakfast

shortdog

What's your sons favourite food? Who says Christmas dinner has to be a roast - what's wrong with pizza and chips, or sausage egg and beans? You could always go out for dinner a couple of days before or after and have a traditional roast then instead!
I've always refused to leave the house on Christmas, it seems really mean to give the kids a load of new toys and then drag them away from them. However, anyone who wants to visit us is always more than welcome.

wiggywoo9

Hmm, well he just likes nuggets, those turkey jet things, food like that. I suppose it's just me wanting a roast- lovely turkey and cranberry, pigs in blankets, Yorkshires, stuffing, mmm! Maybe I'll make him a mix of favourites, and make a small turkey dinner for me and the dog!

meg72

So sorry you have family issues at Christmas, its hard anytime but Christmas always seems worse.

If I were you I would stay home with your little one. Christmas dinner dosent have to be a full blown roast, when my Son was with me his favourite Christmas dinner was steak, baked potato and salad, a halogen is perfect for steak and baked potato. One year when we had his kids as well, everyone chose their favourite meal, DGS1 had a selection of pizza and garlic bread, DGS2 had chicken and chips. Tea was a picnic with ham, cheese sausage rolls etc.

\if you are not spending on taxis you can afford a few extra treats for you and your son and have a really magical day. Christmas DVD, a little treasure hunt for him, stories and loads of cuddles. build a den, paint and make things together.

Have a really lovely Christmas.

bagpussbear

I've had many christmas days just me and my little boy, they were some of the best actually :-)

I would make the day as special and exciting, and not do anything really different than if I had a big family. Obviously the cooker is an issue for you so like others have said do smaller cuts.

I used to put on christmas music so when he came down to open pressies it was twinkling away. Make sure you have your favourite tipple handy, and snacks and treats you both enjoy.

On christmas eve, I would read him the 'night before christmas' story, which always went down well.

When I was on my own, I would always buy myself a present! Would order something in the post and not open it until christmas, my son used to take enjoyment at seeing me open my pressies too, so treat yourself if you can too.

I hope you both have an enjoyable christmas!