Christmas Day!

mountainofdebt

Who says Christmas Day dinner has to be a roast dinner ?

I'm not saying go out and have a McDonalds (are they open Christmas Day?) but have a nice dinner that you wouldn't normal have

We've had, for the last couple of years, an alternative Christmas Day and it is sooooooo much more relaxing

I heard once that a tradition is something that you've done more than once .....not necessarily what is expected!

Pollycat

wiggywoo9 wrote: »

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

Not only will you pay a premium for your taxi, any pub/restaurant open on Christmas Day for lunch will also be charging a lot.
Even Wetherspoons charge £25 for their Xmas day lunch.

Hope your Christmas Day turns out lovely.

sunflower_2

i agree with the slow cooker for meat. loads on ebay.

and could you buy/loan a tiered steamer for your veg?

your place sounds lovely and cosy mind OP - i am confident you and your little man will have a magical christmas

xxx

tea_lover

When_the_going_gets_tough wrote: »

Building your own traditions is fun! You could always take your son to a carols round the crib or similar service on Christmas Eve - a lovely way to start Christmas and families are always welcome at these events - have a look round your local churches nearer the time.

Would second this idea, if it's your sort of thing. We have a christmas eve service at church for children and it's so popular, always standing room only!

It's only about 30 mins, with lots of songs they all enjoy and a quick story. A great way to get the christmas 'feel'.

I'm sure you and your little one will have a great day at home x.

paulineb_2

I think a takeaway or a micro meal would cut down on all the faffing around you'd need to do to prepare a roast with the cooking facilities you have.

You would be looking probably at double time in taxi fares. Much better eating in than eating out, many restaurants will push up prices heavily for Christmas and indeed, the wetherspoons dinner at christmas, which is v similar to the roast they do all year for about £7, just one extra course and a mince pie, is 25 quid.

I said in my earlier post, really not much point in my family slaving over a hot stove at Christmas, theres only 3 of us and my brother lives with his gf so on Christmas Day its just my mum and myself.

And theres much less waste as well if you buy something thats pre packed or get a takeaway in (Im not assuming everyone wastes food at Christmas, but a lot of people buy in far too much and shop as if the shops are going to be shut for a month and not two days). I appreciate that many have a lot of family to feed, but I dont Christmas food shop much differently than I do the rest of the year.

Whatever you do dont stress about it, Im sure it will be just fine.

FatVonD

I agree with Pauline, if you wouldn't normally faff around with cooking a joint for the 2 of you and if you are managing okay at the moment with what you have then I wouldn't go to the expense of buying slow cookers and steamers to cook one dinner.

I also wouldn't consider going out for lunch, your little one is too young to appreciate it anyway plus it's hugely expensive (around here about £55 per person and only reducing to about £35 for kids) and you'll be surrounded by big families which could make you feel sad. Far better to stay home and create a magical Christmas for your little family with the money you've saved.

duchy

If you do want a slow cooker- Aldis are doing large ones for £18 this week. -good for chucking a whole chicken in as well as batch cooking stews, chilis etc if you have some freezer space.

I agree going out for lunch is going to be hugely expensive -plus taxis are double or triple on Christmas day -It is honestly not worth it -spend the money on your own treat foods and presents instead.

paulineb_2

I think the OP has a slow cooker. Not sure of the exact price but if anyone is looking for one, I think wilkinsons do one for about £9 or so.

Mr_Toad

Do you have a friend who's kitchen you could borrow?

If so you could cook the Xmas dinner in advance plate two up for you and your son then eat the rest with your friend as a thank you for using the kitchen.

Freeze the plated dinners and pop them in the microwave on Xmas day.

SpottyKnickers

I agree with the others - make your own traditions. Christmas should be about what makes you happy, not what fits around others.