Christmas crowd

[Marsha Cassada]

We meet at our house on Christmas eve for a buffet, so the folks with little ones can stay home on Christmas Day. I sent out the invites and am planning my tables.

Now I discover my brother and family are also coming--mother invited him without telling me. I love my brother and family and enjoy them, but I was too stressed this year to cater to a large group; I purposely didn't invite them. They have their own extended family and plenty of holiday get togethers. (Last year my sister brought two stray men that had no where to go without telling me.)

Now I'm at 9 adults and 7 children and they are not all compatible. Sounds petty, I know, but I feel a little fragile right now. My husband hasn't been well and is difficult. I'll be glad when Christmas is over. I never thought I would say that.

There's no solution, except making the best of things. Just had to vent a little!

 

[Marty]

"Gee thanks maw......., now you can help with the cooking and dishes and clean up" is what I'd be thinking.....

Wow, that's inconvenient to say the least and I'd be a bit frazzled too having to add so many more at the last minute. I'd be running out and buying a lot of Christmas paper plates and use them wherever possible, at least for the deserts and drinks and lisghten the load however I could.

Well, there doesn't seem to be a way out of this without being very rude so you are doing the best thing you can by sucking it up.

Actally, I'm jealous. I'd give anything to have a houseful on Christmas. Its so quiet here with just the three of us and I would like nothing better than chaos, kids running through the place and cooking until I am ready to keel over. Heck, it is your brother and you're lucky to have him. You never know when something will happen to anyone in the family so cherish them all while you have them, put on the Christmas Carols and make the most of this wonderful holiday season. You'll be fine. You're a sweetheart.

 

[Marsha Cassada]

Thanks, Marty, I know I'm lucky. I love them all. But sometimes I like them better in smaller doses. I know it will be a great day.

Last year we had a blizzard and white-out on Christmas Eve. Power was out all day and we cooked by generator. Lucky having the wood stove for heat. Hardly anyone was able to come at all and THAT wasn't the ideal either! So I'd better quit whining and plan to enjoy the day.

Christmas Day will be quiet for us, and I'll probably be wishing for the crowd again!

 

[Katiean]

We have done a Christmas Eve dinner at my house for as long as I can remember. However, we are having puppies for Christmas so we need a quiet house. Jessie (13) and Joey (10) are spending the night Christmas Eve and we are supposed to go to my brothers for Christmas Dinner. However, I guess I am going to be back and forth with the dog. We delivered all of our presents to those that usually come over this week. We finished last night. A Christmas Crowd would be nice. But, not in the cards for us this year.

 

[Miniv]

Spread the word! Let your brother and spouse know what they need to bring........And let folks know you need help in cleaning up too! You're all family and there shouldn't be "airs"........Put everyone to work!

 

[Sonya]

I'm with Marty, be thankful. All of my family and my husband's family live in a different state...and we have to work both Christmas Eve night and Christmas Day. We did our Christmas on Tuesday, just the two of us, that's how it always is. There are times I do like the "quiet" of just us, but I miss my family and haven't spent a holiday with them in over 15 years because we have to work on Christmas and Christmas Eve.

 

[Tony]

We invited everyone a month ago, requesting RSVP ASAP. As of the beginning of the week we had 15 affirmative. Then one day after getting everything planned and shopping was done, it upped by TEN to 25. Manners anyone?

 

[Marsha Cassada]

I survived and we had fun. Plenty of food and everyone enjoyed seeing each other. I just set up an extra card table. I think families feel comfortable just showing up without waiting for a formal invite. I shouldn't have been such a worry wart.

 

[REO]

Atta girl Marsha!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

 

[Crabby-Chicken]

Glad it worked out! I am the same way. This year has been easy for me, just the kids and my husband and two new puppies! But when we do have a crowd, I need to relax more and enjoy. I won't always have the privilege of having those family members. I just feel I have to make it the best for everyone that I can!

 

[Reble]

Glad everything worked out, next year just have a pot luck and have everyone

bring something.. will safe you a lot of work and if extras show up hope they

bring something along. Merry Christmas