Christmas lunch - in or out?

[naomi24]

For the first time ever we've decided to go to a restaurant for Christmas lunch. I always have a houseful of people who all stay over for several days - so we have a booking for 12. In a way I'm looking forward to the Christmas Day workload being lifted, but in another I'm wondering if it will be quite the same - if you know what I mean.

[joggerjayne]

I think it will be jolly to spend Christmas Day with other people, and to not have to cook.

I'm not sure where I'm spending Christmas yet.

[ummmm]

I'd like to go out now the kids are older. I might arrange it for next year. As long as it's not too far away.

[maggiebee]

Many years ago we talked about going out for Christmas - however, as my daughter pointed out, it just wouldn't be Christmas without grandad falling asleep after lunch with a paper hat on his head then demanding silence for the Queen's speech. Happy days!

[jno]

it'll mean you will have more time for yourself. On the other hand, you won't have people complimenting you on your cooking. Up to you which is more gratifying (but I'd go for the relaxing-and-eating-out option).

[TheOtherHalf]

ummm. Next Xmas is a long way away. :>)
Ive always dreamed of going away into a nice hotel for Xmas (not tinsel and turkey though ) Id love to be pampered and not have to worry about getting enough food in. Somewhere christmassy though, not a sundrenched beach.............. mmm lovely

[Old_Geezer]

It's never appealed to me. I like to be home in a relaxed frame of mind (and confortable clothes), not be looking smart in public, during Xmas lunch. And be able to end lunch by slouching over to the armchair for a bit, before clearing up. Maybe, at my age, have a nap too. Although I've had to argue this within my family for the last few years. I don't see the appeal of spending a fortune eating out at Christmas (save for work Xmas lunch of course): you can eat out at any time of the year.

[AB Editor]

Personally, I am not sure if it would be the same at all. Christmas is all about that house full of people to me.

On the other hand I don't suppose there's a reason you couldn't all still do the post-dinner-coma in the same manner, but without the washing up at the end.

[jno]

but do you do the cooking, Ed?

Many men outsource it... to their wives.

[tiggerblue10]

We always spend it at my parents. I usually go and help out with the food and then my aunts uncles and cousins turn up. I think I prefer it to going out as you can eat whatever time you like and pass out in front of the tv after a mountain of food.

[joggerjayne]

Speaking of snow ... skiing on Christmas morning would be jolly.

[237SJ]

You can`t have extra helpings if you`re eating out. More importantly, you can`t drink champagne if you`ve got to drive (and I certainly wouldn`t be paying taxi prices on Christmas Day). Afternoon Christmas Day TV used to be another good reason to say in, but that doesn`t seem to apply now.

[wendilla]

We as a family all went out last year just as a one off. It was nice but not something that we would want to do every year. I am doing the family dinner this year .The atmosphere is not the same having strangers around you but try it even if it is just for once.

[LoftyLottie]

I would much prefer Christmas Lunch out. A cheese sandwich would do. Unfortunately the other half likes Christmas at home. We might well be alone this year for Christmas and I quite like the idea - just like any other weekend.

[rowanwitch]

Just two of us this christmas but in years gone by I'd 've loved to go out rather than putting so much effort into 3 courses that disappeared without a compliment (more often criticism from mother) and then the bother of providing a constant steam of nibbles through the rest of the day ... go enjoy it you can always produce some wonderful nibbles for the evening

[Euphemia]

Our daughter's labrador is one of the family so we shall stay at home to entertain him.

[erin-x]

My mum has got Christmas dinner down to a fine art now so it isn't much work. Especially since it's just the three of us now. Boxing day is when it gets busy in our house :-)

[pips1]

I'm in - in Florida!! :)

[naomi24]

Everyone will stay with us for several days, as usual, so it's still a busy time for me, but the idea of not spending much of Christmas Eve preparing vegetables, etc, or being tied to the kitchen on Christmas morning is quite attractive!

I've no doubt some will fall asleep in an armchair when we come back - but what's new? :o)

[ummmm]

Food is always much better when someone else cooks. I find with all the cooking, I can't eat very much.