Christmas … is there no other way?
This question has been living in my family circle for a few days now.
When it comes to the Christmas celebrations, many of us are creatures of habit. That is understandable. Every year again. Also nice, that certainty.
In my case, that means in concrete terms: on the 24th toast with the closest family, lighting Christmas tree candles and so on. On the 25th, the family members, but also possible partners, boarders and house guests have a hearty meal Christmas lunch loaded: turkey or goose and various side dishes. And dessert. You wear the paper crowns of the Christmas crackers and drink a lot of champagne. This then results in slightly silly pictures like this one…
… but in the end it’s fun.
But also an effort. And, well, always the same. Maybe you just want something different.
Once – that’s more than ten years ago – we decided, looking back on a pretty tiring year, an alternative: on the evening of December 23rd. went to London with the kids to see my brother with light luggage. There the Christmas presents were bought on the 24th and the following evening we went to a beautiful country hotel in the countryside, where the gifts were distributed on the 25th and there was a gourmet Christmas dinner. Just chill and be served for a few days. No washing up. No cleanup.
Hey, it was a lot of fun. So once for a change. But a year later, the kids voted clearly to stay home. Getting out of your own bed and unwrapping the presents is more comfortable.
But now, after a decade of family turmoil and fanfare at home, the desire for change is back. Only – what and where and how?
Typical alternative ideas probably fail because of the short-term nature and the aversion of certain family members: “Rent an alpine hut!” No No chance. You’re stuck there and can’t get out. And if you’re unlucky, there’s no wifi. Explain the goal to the teenage daughter! Moreover, everything in Switzerland is fully booked months in advance. And three times as expensive as usual.
Damn! A nice alternative to a Christmas party should not be too difficult! Hey, maybe it doesn’t have to be something creative. Maybe we’ll have our relatives invite us. Or everyone goes to our favorite Indian place for Christmas lunch and then goes home for dessert…
… or what do the editors advise me to do?
“If the weather permits and the family likes to be outside, I really like ‘Christmas in the woods’. So that no one freezes, a soup is cooked over the fire, snake bread is baked and mulled wine is drunk. Then you can enjoy the dessert at home in the warm room.”
«Christmas in the woods. Everyone freezes and swears. Very romantic!”
«More than once I spent Christmas Eve and Christmas like a normal day, without any ritual. Was good.”
Hmm… we need more suggestions: