The FastDay Forum

I have a dilemma, I want to have a proper family Christmas meal, but I no longer have a dining table, we are a lap tray family at the moment and probably will be until my eldest moves back out again, which isn't going to happen anytime soon (timescale in years here).

I have been toying with the idea of actually having the family Christmas day dinner in a restaurant, pricey I know, but better than trying to be civilised at home.

Those of you who have had a Christmas Day meal in a restaurant what were the pro's and cons?

The family will be hubby, myself, eldest grown up son and youngest 16 year old. Our daughter may join us too.

Thanks

We gave up Christmas lunch at home a few years ago as it was becoming just TOO stressful. The whole run up to it, the food shopping, preparing serving, washing and cleaning up afterwards and then eating turkey in one guise or another for the next week just got to me. This will be our 5th year at the local manor house and a bunch of friends always join us. We each put some money into a special account every month to pay for it all and those that don't make the lunch have some extra spending money. I manage the account and do menu cards and little table gifts for everyone and we have a secret santa, it's all great fun and I will never revert to the angst and stress of doing it again at home. There are never less that 12 of us and one year we made almost 30, what a blast.

I hope that whatever you chose to do you have a great time as that is what it is all about, spending special time with your loved ones so, good luck

Ballerina x

Never done it Julie some friends love it others
won't do it again
But be very careful because santa could be visiting you on
the hospital ward
I remember talk about you + the hubby having beds next to each other so that would be a Christmas day
lunch to remember Lol Sue.

I had Christmas dinner in an Irish pub one year here in Japan. It was awesome. Martin, the batman/owner pulled out the stops and made a really traditional meal (not easy in Okinawa!) it's one of the best Xmas's away from home I've ever had.

I have been fortunate to eat out on Xmas day on many occasions.

Pro's:

No food buying = alot less stress
You can dress up for the day (if you wish), get up Xmas day morning, no stress about preparing food or cooking.
More time to spend with family, friends etc.
It can be a very relaxing day, normally a very nice atmosphere. Some places have Santa come round even
You could go for a nice walk afterwards - weather dependant !!
NO WASHING UP......... woohoooooo

I can't think of any con's. Price maybe, but I feel this this is far out weighed by all the pro's of less stress and spending quality time with family.

I would highly recommend it, but you need to get something booked. Alot of places are booked by mid year.

Good luck with what ever you decide