What I will do differently next Christmas

At the end of Boxing Day we divvy up the leftover bird, puding, panattonne, cake etc so that each family has a share and takes home a manageable quantity.

Next year I would like to go away for Xmas. Preferable abroad or to a hotel.
My daughter this year cooked in their house which has a tiny kitchen. She was stressed out the whole time and therefore we didn't really enjoy ourselves very much. Also, we had volunteered to do the washing up which seemed never ending. So all in all, it was hard work and boring.
The only thing I enjoyed was playing with my new four month old grandson.

Problem will be next year, when I suggest my partner and I want to do something different. I know she won't like it.
Also I have refused to cook anymore xmas dinners at mine, after forty odd years of doing it, I have had enough. Perhaps I am of an age where I just don't enjoy xmas anymore.

I'm ok with the turkey size and 'proper' food. I thought I'd done well cutting down on the nibbles but.....
Two tubs Pringles, after eights, genoa cake, cashew nuts all unopened and a virtually full bag of celebrations. So even more cut backs next year.
Cards, presents, wrapping all completed in good time.

I will eat and drink less!!!

I ended up throwing half a turkey out yesterday. DH and I couldn't face another mouthful. I know it's wasteful and I could have make curries and stews for the freezer but to be honest we don't even like it that much. Next year I will definitely buy a smaller bird and insist that my parents take the leftovers home with them.

oh dear sugarpuff there is something about families getting together at Christmas that either brings out the best or the worst in them. I guess at least it keeps you entertained.

I will buy less food. I say this every year, and I never listen to myself
I will get all the presents bought by the end of November, instead of a last minute rush, frantically checking 'last order dates for Christmas' online.

I will be trying to have Christmas alone next year. I have no wish to get involved in all the "dodgy relationships and complaints central" any more!

Someone mentioned a Christmas picnic on the shore. I think that would be just wonderful.