Doing Christmas every year

I've done 51 and loved aech and every one.

I hung up my Christmas lunch hat a couple of years ago. I had done it for parents, then parents and my daughters and more recently my girls and their families. Last year we went to one daughter and tomorrow we’re going to the other, but all the family will meet there. It’s bliss not having to think about it.

46 years here. I’m trying not to wish it was someone else’s turn because in someways I think I might miss it....it’s hard work though

42 years.

For the past couple of years, older son goes to his in-laws for Xmas lunch. My daughter, her 2teenagers and myself go to my younger son's house. Daughterinlaw's mum is a very good cook ...everything is done by the time we get there ?

My mum was widowed at 45y. I was 23y with a new baby. We did Christmas dinner every year after that for various family members, for 32y in the same house. I got it off to a fine art - a hostess trolley became a godsend as the years went by!

Then 10y ago we downsized and I passed the baton on. I’d done my stint! Yay!

GrandmaMoira sometime during lunch I would be inclined to mention that you hope everybody enjoys their lunch because you will not be cooking it next year.

You have been taken for granted. Either say you are going away next year or that it is time for somebody else to take over and give you a well deserved rest.

Last year and the year before were the first in 40-odd years that I didn't have to help or, later, prepare the Christmas dinner for the family.

Although it was nice to be free of the responsibility, and DH and I enjoyed the peace, it was also really strange to have no other people around.

This year we have the family again but next year we might take off on Christmas morning (can't go earlier as I have to play the organ for the midnight service).

I’ve done Christmas every year for 42 years. Started when I was 28 because we had the biggest house and DH was anti moving children out of their own home at Christmas. Numbers fluctuate now depending on arrangements with in-laws. Sometimes I think I’d like someone else to do it, but if they did, I’d probably feel redundant. Spent this afternoon coordinating two Crib services as well, so spiritual aspects taken care of.?

DD is doing it for the first time and we are trying to be well behaved guests. We have brought a bird and veggies which we'll cook tomorrow so we are still involved. Just waiting up for Santa now!

We have had to make sure the ones who usually come to us are catered for.

I am still waiting for someone else to do it for us! Thinking of going away next year!

When my mother was in her late 50s
, my father said " Christmas is too much for her now. It's time for you girls to take over". That was in the mid 80s My sister and I then did Christmas turn and turn about. Usually for 13 to 15 people. I loved doing it, and still do. Although since the children have married and moved away, the numbers have fluctuated somewhat. Only 4 of us this year, 9 last.