Christmas lunch ideas anyone?

Hi, I know this is an off topic post but I am expecting to be in a bad flare on Christmas Day because we all know stress can bring on flares. This Christmas for the first time I will not have my children or grandchildren surrounding me. My daughters and their families have moved hundreds of miles away so no Christmas Eve dinner and no watching the children while parents Santa shop. We will have hubbies adult children and 3 grandchildren here on Christmas Day for a short visit and that's where lunch fits in.

I normally would have made the Christmas feast on the 24 had the leftovers as lunch on 25 as well we used to do a Christmas morning brunch because his children would open presents with their mom have some toast there and then come here in time for eggs bennie and or hot turkey sandwiches. My dilemma is simple, we no longer do brunch as his daughter has everyone to her house so her mom soes there for the gift from Santa opening, they spend the 24 with her family so all the other grandparents and relatives are there.

Since I will not be cooking a turkey and doing the Big dinner on the 24 I realised this morning I will need to have something for everyone to pick at because they eat before they come and are on their way to their boyfriend/girlfriends parents to have a dinner so they will need something but what?

I am not in the right mood to be enjoying this because I am depressed missing my own family 11 of my family will be missing on the 24 so no need to cook that huge turkey. I will have 8 adults and 2 children here for about 3 hours on Christmas Day. Should I just do cheese and assorted cold cuts with buns or crackers? I forgot to say they might not all be here at the same time either that depends on girlfriends family at any time they could change their minds and not show or pop in for 15 minutes just so dad does not get upset.

I think next year Christmas is going to be a trip to Vegas instead of Christmas gifts we could have gone on holiday it would have cost the same, lol. We will send thank you cards to all the children instead go Christmas cards and gift cards and presents for all. I look forward to the end of this Christmas season.

Sorry for the babble but thought if you had a larger story perhaps it would help with ideas. Maybe a big pot of chili who has that for Christmas? Then again it usually gives the boys the toots and that's not a great impression on their future in-laws, lol

Btw the world did not end, wasn't that today?

Lol, thx. I am starting my list today. I will get through this is my chant, if my tears would just stop it would make it easier. Darn leaky eyes

I am trying this easy cheese ball recipe: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/easy-cheese-ball-ii/

Tomorrow we are buying lots of different crackers to go with the cheese ball. Also having spinach dip and some mini carrots (no cutting needed), punch, summer sausage, dinner rolls, and a few cookies/candies.

Oh....and the shame of it all:  also some flavored potato chips (my downfall!)

Myself 09: I have the same problem! BWAHAHAHAHA!

Bingo on the ham, maybe spiral with good rolls to make lilo sandwiches, some cold trays like pickles and olives soo easy), baked beans and coleslaw, and apie or cookies....yum! waht time are we eating?

Joy and peace to all

Mags