Every year families have to decide how best to celebrate Christmas. Some think the occasion calls for a roast and boozy gettogether. Others change their plans yearly - and sometimes opt to dine out for a treat.
Well, one mum is hoping to switch up her family's usual routine this year with a visit to McDonald's. But she fears she may have to lie about her plan - or risk incurring the wrath of some family members.
Taking to Mumsnet to ask for advice, the parent revealed she's not bothered about sitting down to a Christmas dinner. However, she is worried about what others may think of her decision.
The unnamed parent explained she lives abroad with her husband and her four-year-old daughter - and the trio won't be visiting family in the UK this year. Happy to spend the big day at home, they've been wondering how to celebrate the occasion.
"Not really fussed about Christmas dinner, we don’t love it that much," she wrote. "How bad would it be to get a drive through McDonald’s and eat it at the beach?"
She added that the group would still enjoy a nice spread on Christmas Eve, when they plan to enjoy a buffet with all their favourite foods. They've also stocked up on breakfast foods, chocolate, cheese, and biscuits, so it is just "the main meal" they need to source on the day.
While the mum is tempted by her takeaway plan, she fears it won't go down so well with others. "I feel like if we did, we’d have to keep it secret and not tell our families, who would be outraged," she explained. As such, she was keen to hear what other parents thought. "It would be bad to do this…wouldn’t it..?" she asked.
However, most commenters disagreed with the mum, suggesting there's no wrong choice and that she shouldn't feel the need to defend herself.
"You fill your boots. It's your Christmas dinner - not mine," wrote one person. Another replied: "You are adults, you don't have to keep your dinner secret, equally I don't know why you feel you would have to tell anyone about it."
In response to comments, the mum explained: "I mean just if they asked..my mum will probably ask if I’m doing Turkey or beef etc..it just feels so wrong, like you can’t not have a Christmas dinner." But people were quick to reassure her once more.
One answer read: "Go for it. It's the one day we do what we want and ignore so called tradition when it comes to food. We go out for a curry with friends. Last couple of years Family have joined us and really enjoyed it!" Meanwhile, someone else commented: "Is it open? If it is then you are not the only ones doing it."
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