What are your plans for Christmas and the holidays? What's on the menu?

Dear community,
how are you spending Christmas and the holidays this year? What's on the menu?

Christmas is always a family gathering—not the only one of the year, but since the younger ones still have to work, it’s one of the few times we’re all together.
And for years now, we’ve been having raclette, since it’s almost impossible to get two people with the same cravings together. That way, everyone can grill whatever they like, and we get to sit together comfortably for a nice long time. I personally really enjoy it—I eat very slowly, so my food stays nice and hot right up until the end.

For us, it’ll be the same as in previous years.

Everyone will be at our place for Christmas (our children with their partners, grandchildren, in-laws, and cousin). Our son-in-law will be cooking and treating us to a delicious meal. We haven’t decided yet what we’ll have this year, but all the kids are coming over for dinner tonight—maybe we’ll decide then.

  Christmas Day at my in-laws’

Boxing Day at our daughter’s for leftovers—our son will be joining us there as well.

So we’ll have three full days of family activities. I really enjoy these days. 

On Christmas Eve, we’re planning to have bratwurst and sauerkraut; we’re not exactly sure what we’ll have over the holidays yet—we’ve got a few ideas in the works, so we’ll see what catches our eye. Since we’ll be at home anyway, I don’t have to cook for the whole family—just for my husband and me. On the first day of the holidays, my oldest daughter is coming over for coffee in the afternoon; I don’t know what the other two are planning.

Love, Inge

On Christmas Eve, everyone is always here with us—our kids, my sister and her daughter, Grandma, and Grandpa. Plus, there’s an “uncle” (who isn’t related to us by blood or marriage, but has always been part of the family) and a dear friend who’s single.
That makes 13 of us in total.
Traditionally, we have fondue. With homemade beef broth instead of fat. And loooads of delicious sauces (my mom “has” to make them) and plenty of bread for dipping. Plus mushrooms, baby corn, gherkins… hmmmm… I’m already hungry 😂

On Christmas Day, we have goose (he has to make two now with five grandchildren who all dig in heartily) with mashed potatoes, cranberries, and applesauce (might sound unusual, but it tastes great).

And on Boxing Day, the kids get to play with their new toys to their hearts’ content while we lounge on the sofa 😂 

Oh, and of course, we’ll be heading to church in the afternoon for the Christmas service.
Our 11-year-old and 9-year-old are taking part in the nativity play again. The older one is playing the innkeeper this year, and the younger one is playing Mary.
According to the pastor, our little one is supposed to join them on “stage” as a little angel, but he says he doesn’t dare. We’ll see—if he feels like it, he’ll join in; if not, then not 😉
And after that, we’ll open presents so we can enjoy a good meal afterward.