Christmas is coming, and it's my turn?

You have some good answers here. Don't forget that if you want to make ammends with your dad about something, start with using one of his favorites incorporated into the meal. Put on one of his favorite christmas music cd's. Save the new man in your life until later, unless you are engaged and need that evening to tell family. LOL

If your tree will already be decorated, save the star for your dad to put up for you.

Another thing you might consider, is asking the rest of the family what they think of exchanging gifts after dinner instead of doing it the next morning.

Our family is huge, and not everybody gets along all the time. We get together every Christmas eve, and we eat dinner, (or desserts), and the entire family does a gift exchange; about 35 people. Then each family can still do their own Christmas day at their own homes.

Great idea....decorations - candles and fresh fruit & flowers.

Appetizers - good olives, cheese, crackers and grapes - easy!

Turkey cooked in a large roasting pan and in a roasting bag - needs no basting!

Stuff with whatever stuffing you choose - add lots of onions, carrots and celery to the roasting bag...juice comes naturally!

...............however if you traditionally have no meat for Christmas Eve then:

Raviolis with no meat sauce,

Fish - salmon is great and looks pretty! -with lemon/dill sauce - easy to cook, broil at the last minute.

Salad

Vegetables

Dessert: pumpkin pie and Chocolate Cake for me.

Drinks: Bottle of inexpensive champagne and ginger ale (w/splenda & no sugar), coffee & tea!

Topics - what did everyone's family grow up eating for christmas, and what did you tell Santa you wanted for presents,

I added the last few years - from the craft store...a blank canvas with a plastic table cloth underneath, and lots of paint pots, with paint brushes for everyone to make one picture of whatever they feel....and you start put making a star on that blank canvas....It's really creative, and some people refused to do it...until they had one glass of champagne!

May your Christmas be truely Blessed, and relax and add your smile as their best present.

First early Merry Christmas, Forget the family problems and honor the real reason for the holiday. It represents The love God showed to the world with his gift of his son Jesus get a small nativity scene and use it for your centerpiece..and place silk holiday flowers around it...I've seen some very nice ones at the popular dollar stores .....

.our family would go to church for the Christmas eve service then go to someone's home for late dinner. It was so cool being out together in the cold winter wind and driving to church seeing all the lights on the homes and businesses....we were together and it was great.

When we reached the house some hot apple cider was easy to heat up and serve to everyone who was starving and anxious to eat anything available....

the dinner was roasted and sliced meats, like roasted pork with crabapples you get in a jar and place in a pretty dish next to the pork. Roast Turkey, or roast beef like a rump roast...have different mustards and pickles for a nice addition

plus a couple casseroles of...broccoli and cheese and reheated in the microwave... a casserole of sweet potatoes , whipped like mashed and seasoned with spices like for pumpkin pie also made ahead.

Hot soup was in a slow cooker...white bean soup with bites of smokey ham...and next to it a basket of mini corn muffins.

Think of color and music also when planning a dinner...have some classical holiday music playing while eating and something more upbeat holiday tunes for the rest of the time.

If you have time make something individual for each guest. A small token gift to each one to take home with them. LIke a candle with beads wrapped around the base for the women and for the guys use cinnamon sticks and twine.......place each one at their table setting...with their names printed on a little card...this will make them feel welcome and appreciated..family or friends...

For dessert bake some brownies and cookies and serve with spiced orange tea...or hot coffee and ice cream of choice...and serve on pretty plates...

Remember your senses the eyes , ears, and nose.....all are awakened when you walk in the door....

do as much as possible the day before so you are not rushed on the day of the festivities....best of luck I hope this helps...I could go on and on...write to me if you want more info..hugs Mama Jazzy Geri in sunny Florida...

all i can say is good luck. my father and i don't get along either.