Are you doing EXACTLY what you want at Christmas?

Maybe not exactly but it's not all about me is it?
What I want and AM doing is ultimately seeing my children and grandchildren. I also think part of my "present" to the others,(DH, sisters in law, nephew, DD's PILs as well as the DDs and SILs ) is to provide a happy, relaxed (?) environment where we can all enjoy each others' company. Who knows what could happen between this Christmas and next so I want us to look back on this one and say "That was a lovely Christmas"

I will be with my family and that is exactly what I want.

DH and I are escaping to a hotel by the sea for 4 nights over Christmas. Heaven!! All family are doing their own thing with in-laws so rather than doing a Derby and Joan - we are treating ourselves to a Christmas Break.

We have a family party lunch this Sunday so will get to see grandchildren and exchange presents. Then I shall pack my case ready for the off. Guess the only thing I will miss is turkey leftovers on Boxing Day - but as we are staying in a town - I shall probably hit the Sales instead of making soup!! Whats not to like??

After the least few weeks of agrovation i am firmly of the opinion im going to be happier on my own christmas day!

Yes, with just two small reservations. My granddaughter and her fiancé are hosting the full family Christmas Day and I'm so looking forward to it. Wish my son could be there too but he feels he must spend it with his dad as he's done each year since we separated. That's fair enough as I have my daughters from first marriage, their partners and children. My son comes to me on Christmas Eve and stays overnight and that's lovely.
Now the tricky bit, my first husband, daughters' father and grand children's grandad became a widower a few months ago and because he'd be alone at Christmas my granddaughter has invited him too. While I agree wholeheartedly that he should be included I'm feeling a little awkward about the news ( from daughter) that he's insisted on buying me a small present. She said to him it probably isn't a good idea but he was a bit short with her and got something anyway. I'm not buying him a present, we divorced over forty years ago, another lifetime away. How should I handle this, any ideas?

Can't you just feign surprise and thank him very much, Hannah and leave it at that.

Almost exactly how I would wish except that I wish we were able to stay at home and they could all come to us as we have more space and comforts. DD, DH and I are going to be with DS, DDIL and DGC in their home for a whole week which will be really lovely and they are brilliant in the way they look after us. The downside is that it quite a journey and there is nowhere to take refuge and have a quiet rest/snooze while we are there so I am praying for the energy to cope and be a lovely granny.
And that my lip zipper keeps working!