OT- awkward family christmas gathering, traditions or ideas?PLEASE!

This is the first christmas that my family will be spending together since my parents divorce. My sister and her husband and I will be spending christmas morning at our mom's and carrying on all the regular traditions but we'd like to find a way to see my dad during the day as well (they all live in the same city).
The plan is that around noon we will meet my dad and his new girlfriend at my sister's place and spend some time together. the only problem is WHAT ARE WE GONNA DO?! We all get along with my dad's girlfriend and I'm trying my best to form new traditions and not lose the holiday spirit because of the split. But when we are all together there are a few problems:
#1- My sister who is very protective of my mom, feels a little strange about having my dad's new partner over to her house on christmas (she has no problem with the relationship, she just feels guilty)
#2- the 5 of us together is a little strange because I am the only one without a partner to lean on during these kinds of things...so I dont want to go iceskating or any other "paired off" kind of activities.
I'd really like to make the gathering laid back and enjoyable...but what to do?
we'll exchange gifts and maybe have hot cocoa but then what? I feel like it would be depressing to go out for coffee on christmas day, or see a movie... but since we're all adults and will be going on to christmas dinners later in the day...baking or christmas crafts seems a little silly. Does anyone have any grown-up traditions that might be fun for this kind of group? I really want everyone to feel at home, but have little control over that since it isn't MY home.
Thanks in advance for any input! :)

Mon. Dec 17, 5:34pm

What are the regular traditions being carried on at your mom's?

Just curious because when we gather as "adults," we don't generally plan an activity; we just spend time conversing. Exchange presents and have snacks or something, but really, just spend time together.

Monday, December 17, 2007, 6:46 PM

Do you all play scrabble, cards, pictionary or other board games. Start a tradition of board games or interactive games

Monday, December 17, 2007, 7:45 PM

Since you are getting together around noon, you could go out to a nice christmas lunch. Or watch a favorite christmas movie together... or maybe get together later in the evening. What my family does every christmas eve is we have a nice dinner together and then drive around and look at the best christmas lights displays. There is usually a newspaper article or website that maps out each cities most ridiculous displays... plus you'd have time to chat in the car between houses.

Tuesday, December 18, 2007, 7:34 AM

We always split time between family. And we always go to the movies on Christmas night! Not depressing at all. We love it.

There is this game called "apples to apples" that I have played with family and friends, and it is so much fun! It looks like a kids game, but it's not. It's very fun, you'll all laugh a lot, and you'll get to know people a bit more. I would check it out. No skill required.

Tuesday, December 18, 2007, 9:53 AM

I too hate being the "unpaired" one in the family. My bf was not invited on the family holiday trip. I've never found a good way of dealing with this emotionally, except by "toughing it out," getting off on my own to exercise, etc. Would be interested in hearing other coping strategies.

Tuesday, December 18, 2007, 12:51 PM

Related Content: How To Lose Weight- The Basics Weight Watchers Points System The Fat Smash Diet The Eat To Live Diet The Beck Diet Solution How To Get The Motivation To Lose Weight		How To Be Successful Using PEERtrainer How To Burn Fat Online Weight Loss Support- How It Works Does Green Tea Help You Lose Weight? Tips On Using PEERtrainer Visit The PEERtrainer Community Diet and Fitness Resources
Fitness Weight Watchers Meetings Learning To Inspire Others: You Already Are Writing Down Your Daily Workouts Spending Money On A Personal Trainer? How I Became A Marathon Runner		Preventive Health How To Prevent Injuries During Your Workout Flu Season: Should You Take The Flu Shot? Are You Really Ready To Start PEERtrainer? Super Foods That Can Boost Your Energy Reversing Disease Through Nutrition
New Diet and Fitness Articles: Weight Watchers Points Plus How To Adjust Your Body To Exercise New: Weight Watchers Momentum Program New: PEERtrainer Blog Archive Review Of The New Weight Watchers Momentum Program		Weight Loss Motivation by Joshua Wayne: Why Simple Goal Setting Is Not Enough How To Delay Short Term Gratification How To Stay Motivated How To Exercise With A Busy Schedule
Real World Nutrition and Fitness Questions Can Weight Lifting Help You Lose Weight? Are Protein Drinks Safe? Nutrition As Medicine?		Everyday Weight Loss Tips How To Eat Healthy At A Party How To Eat Out And Still Lose Weight The Three Bite Rule Tips On How To Stop A Binge