It's very easy to focus wholly on the big day, it arrives, it happens and bang! it's all over. What follows is an anti-climax, it's almost depressing. The big day should still be a big day but it is better to build up slowly with a few big eventful days before and wind down after with some more. Obviously you can't party flat out for 2 weeks (well at least I can't) but a little thoughtful planning helps. Here is a few ideas of how you could plan out your christmas break assuming it is around 10 days! Remember it doesn't have to be all big and expensive stuff but it should be setting the scene, encoraging the atmosphere and excitement for both kids and adults alike.
| 23rd December |
Take the kids to see Santa. If you don't have any borrow some! Nieces, Nephews, grandchildren, god children etc. What better way to get in the mood! Take them for a nice lunch somewhere that has really gone overboard on the decorations and visit a really big toy store like Hamleys in Regent street! Imagine how excited they will be! If funds allow indulge them in an early present but be careful not to spoil somebody elses well planned christmas present by checking with their parents if the kids are borrowed.
Invite some good friends over in the evening for a few drinks and a simple supper |
| Christmas Eve |
A very exciting time for kids and stressful for parents. You will be getting things ready for the big day so it lends itself to being a day where you need to keep your time available. Therefore plan for a takeaway meal. Chinese or Pizza are big favourites and very different to roast turkey. You will likely have Turkey curry leftovers on boxing day so maybe not Indian.
Pick a really Christmassy movie to watch and slob out in the lounge with you takeaway - tomorrow is going to be hectic! If you have time invite some friends over for an afternoon get together, especially friends whose kids are close to your own. They can swap presents and you can have a couple of relaxing drinks and a few nibbles. Alternatively visit those friends yourself. |
| Christmas Day | Well, if you have kids it's likely to be a 5am start, accept it! Other than that I will leave this day up to you. It's almost certain to be about presents, turkey, family, presents, presents and more presents - enjoy! |
| Boxing Day |
This is where we need to make a big effort to avoid an anti-climax. Make sure you saved some presents back for the kids or you have some more relatives over or to visit. This adds to the excitement.
Plan another big meal if you are not visiting anyone. Turkey curry is obvious and very easy, roll out the christmas crackers too! |
| 27th December | It's time for a day out by now and a bit of exercise! If the weather is lousy a visit to a museum could be a way to clear the cobwebs. But a visit to a park with a ball or two could really hit the spot. If you have kids around with new bikes, or other outdoor activities then it would be a great idea to help them get the use of them. Of course all that activity will help work up an appetite for a big hearty meal and what could be better in winter than hot beef stew with mashed potatoes? This really calls out to be shared with some friends with kids of similar age. Spend a couple of hours in the park and go back for a hearty warming supper and a glass or two of wine. |
| 28th December | Throw a Christmas party for the kids. How about a real simple kids party, traditional party games with a seasonal twist (pin the tail on the reindeer!), jelly, ice cream and a few simple sarnies plus a Christmas party cake, buy it or make it. Invite a few friends around and their parents. Someone will have to dress up as Santa of course! A great way to have fun with a few friends, keep the festivities going and something special for the younger kids to look forward to after Christmas. |
| 29th December | Have a lazy telly day! You will have recorded loads of great Christmas specials, received a few DVDs, slob on the couch, open a big bag of crisps and just chill out. You might want to go for a little walk in the morning so you don't feel so guilty! |
| 30th December | New years eve and new years day are likely to be indulgent and hectic so take a relaxing breather. Don't visit anyone or host any parties. Spend some time with the kids helping them get to grips with some of those presents they got which need parental help. Remember during all the hectic activities the kids get loads of presents but don't always get to play with them. For tea, why not have a simple array of cold cuts, fresh crusty bread and butter, simple salads and the like. Don't forget a nice chilled bottle of white wine! |
| New Years Eve | Throw a new years eve party or go to one! Enjoy yourself but remember tomorrow you may pay the price! |
| New Years day | New years day is a great day to celebrate the start of the new year with a big family feast. Invite over the people you haven't yet managed to visit or accomodate and have a 3 course dinner with champagne. Have something to involve everyone after dinner such as a board game which all can join in or a quiz, charades, etc. |