Spending Christmas in my RV--what to do?

[DeBora4BobbyL]

We will be in the middle of moving beginning December 15th. We won't be finished moving until sometime in January. My DH doesn't start his new job in Oklahoma until February 6th, so he'll be staying in a company trailer until then. I, of course, will be staying in our little 27 foot RV. We will be spending Christmas here, which will include the 2 GKs and their 2 parents. (4 adults, 2 kids, and 2 Chihuahuas).

I need some ideas to make Christmas dinner simple with absolutely NO space. Even though school will be out, I will be busy working on my thesis as I have to be finished by the beginning of next semester with an idea and lit review. I would appreciate some ideas to make our family time and meal special during these tough times.

[ajrsmom]

I decided years ago when my daughter was born that I was going to make lasagna for Christmas dinner so that I could spend time with my family (extended family that came over, too!) and not have to miss out on everything because I was stuck in the kitchen.

I realize that you situation is different but an easy dish like that could really help because you can make it ahead of time and then bake it that day. Serve with a salad and rolls and it's a simple, yet delicious, dinner. :D I would keep dessert simple, too. Maybe a pie or two and some cookies, especially for the kids. ;) With this type of set up, there's little mess beforehand and clean up isn't too bad, either.

If you feel that you want to have a bigger dinner, why not have a housewarming/New Years celebration dinner after you get moved into your new home?

It's all about the wonderful time they spend with you and the memories that you make with them--not the dinner that you cook! Take it easy on yourself and enjoy the day!! :D :D

BTW, Best of luck with your move!!

[Sammi1961]

DeBora, may grocery stores (and some restaurants) offer pre-cooked holiday dinners at reasonable prices. Everything comes pre-cooked and you just have to heat it up. I also like Tami's idea of lasagna and adding a big salad, rolls and some kind of dessert because this could be made a day ahead. You could also do a crock pot meal such as pot roast, potatoes and carrots which could be done a day ahead or on the same day then add desserts. I would think anything that doesn't involved a lot of prep work and clean up would be nice. Not sure of your oven space but you could also bake a chicken or roast and do baked potatoes with a side veggie.

[DeBora4BobbyL]

I like the lasagna idea as I can buy that already made and dispose of the baking pan. We probably can't do the housewarming thing in Oklahoma City as it is at least a hour drive away from my kids and even further to NM.

[cat lover]

One other thing maybe you could all go to a restaurant for the big meal and just have desserts at home. The crockpot thing sounds good though if you want to stay at home. Maybe a complete meal in crockpots would work; just have others bring theirs and maybe they could even prepare in theirs the side dishes and bring with them and plug in at your place. Whatever you decide to do I know you will all have a god time and will enjoy the "closeness"

Hope your move goes well and all your school work also! Let us know what you decide to do.

[barbszy]

I think I would also rely on things that can be made ahead--or just make it a day for "fun food" and skip the big meal. Have FLIPS! Make it a snack-type day with Flips, raw vegetable tray, cheese and crackers, things like that which don't really require a lot of time and space for prep.

We have been trying (unsuccessfully) to convince my mom to do something like this, since my dad is having kidney surgery on the 16th. She always makes a big dinner for us and our families and a few cousins--so we're looking at around 20 people. My sister and I offered to bring things like lasagna, soup, chili--things that can be made ahead or put in a crockpot to simmer....and she is hearing none of it. We tried to let her off the hook and told her that if she provides the plates and the table we will take care of the food. No go.

[cat lover]

Barbszy,now remember this is just a suggestion! Get together with the rest of the family and jointly tell mom who the "other family" members are that are bringing all the food ( and even start delivering it a couple days early) and put in her refrigerator; she won't have room to cook! And there are always other things that can be brought the day of to fill in. She won't appreciate it maybe right then,but will later when she is careing for your dad. You can also use the tender thought of telling her you all are doing this for yourselves as much as her. After all you don't want her to get down at the same time as your dad and then the family would have to come over and care for them both! I would even suggest telling her the family will be gathering at someone else's place, but it will probably be easier on your dad to be able to just stay at home. I would defintely go in a joint manner and tell her this !!! Good Luck with whatever you decide to do!

[DeBora4BobbyL]

I like the flip idea and everyone LOVES them. Plus, if necessary, I can make everyone make their own flips. lol