The stepkids usually spend christmas lunch with their paternal grandmother. Wife and I throw an annual christmas night party so we forego dinner to prepare for that...a very casual, word of mouth "Merry Martini" gathering. We provide finger food, specialty martini's, beer and wine. Its to celebrate that the holidays are finally coming to aq close. Lots of folks show up (usually 60-75+) because most places are closed, they have cabin fever and they're sick of dealing with relatives
Last year I was cooking breakfast for about 20 or so hangers on at 5:00 a.m. ... Last guest left at 7:30 a.m.
When wife and I were dating we asked the kids (then 12 and 14 y.o.) what they wanted for a christmas eve dinner...let them pick the menu. It has become a family tradition they look forward to every year: Cajun shrimp boil (shrimp, new potatos, corn on the cob, sausage all boiled together outside) and seasoned curly fries. Homemade ice cream for dessert. I even enjoy it