Not knowing how many you are having for the regular Christmas, it's kind of hard to tell. How many people on the 23rd? Maybe a brunch would work better for one or the other. But if it's tradition you have Christmas on the 25th and usually have the same menu, then that's a different ballgame. Could we have more details? Your DSis won't be there for Christmas, I take it???

They are arriving on the 20th and leaving the 24th. There will be 25-30 people there. We've done pans of lasagne in the past and my sil had a employee of hers make up lots of Mexican food one other time for a get together. The brunch sounds good, but we will be doing it as an evening meal.

We are meeting on the 23 for our family gift giving~~so the kids can be with their inlaw families on the 24th or 25th. We will have ham, 3 of us are vegetarians, so Pad Thai and Drunken Noodles will be made by DD#2 and her BF. DIL will make her yummy cheesy potatoes~~~I am going to try a sweet potato and butternut squash something~~and whatever else I throw together. DD#2 will make vegan desserts;) We considered Mexican, but other items were requested so this is the menu;)

We did soup and sandwiches one year. It might not sound good to some but it was great. There was about 3 or 4 pots of soup and a pot of chili. We put out the fixings for sandwiches and had fresh fruit and veggies along with dip. This year we are just having finger foods - everyone will bring their favorite finger food.

Baked ham, pork roast, turkey

We're having seafood crepes again this year. We're celebrating the weekend before because I have to work Christmas day. Trying to think of something for work...one person doesn't like seafood so can't go with the crepes like I had planned.

I'd have a salad bar with fruits, veggies, sliced ham and maybe some sliders and a couple of desserts.

We are having two Christmases here too. One will be on the 25th for 5--my sister and BIL, younger son and DH and me. The next day, my DD and her DH and 2 boys will arrive from being with her in-laws, and my older son and his DW also will return from being with those in-laws. My younger son will still be here, and so will help me a lot, I am sure. But we plan on a roast loin of pork on the 25th and a ham on the 26th. Planning a simpler meal on the 26 with just plain baked potatoes, a veggie, homemade rolls and an apple streusel a la mode. Haven't decided completely on the side dishes on the 25th other than pumpkin bread, which is a favorite, and some kind of potato. This is the first time I have had to make two meals, and I hope it is the last.

Sissors, I love that idea soup and sandwiches~~~the chili too. I am going to remember that for next year~~~or maybe you will have to remind me;)

Barbeque!
Brisket, smoked turkey, chicken
Beans
Potato salad
Pickles, onions, peppers

We're doing my family of 36 on the 23rd, too difficult to try it on Christmas day. We are serving all finger foods. There's alot of kids and we try to encourage them to try different things. This year we are tenderloin canapes, my version of white castle sliders or loose meat sandwiches, haven't decided for sure. Tenderloin and lemon with arugala sliders. Greek chicken wings, smoked meatballs/sausages. Marinated shrimp with peppers, cilantro and lime as well as a shrimp tartlet. Lots of fruits and veggies as well as some chowders. If the weather holds here we will celebrate with a bon fire and fireworks and have smores over the fire.

I like Scissor's idea, too. Lots of nice warm soups and meat platters for sandwiches. Soups could be made a day or two in advance. Buy a cheesecake and a couple of pies from Sam's or Costco and call it good! That way you could enjoy your family without being worn out.

All of these ideas sound wonderful! Thanks everyone!

do you access to sam's club? they have a full pork loin....it look huge but omg! spinkle with some lawry salt, fatty side up and it's to die for....i've served it with the usual christmas sides or baked potatoes...and try a canned apple pie filling heated in a bit of butter and cinnamon, for a wonderful side...let it set to keep the pork moist and slice thin..serves a ton!

A friend of mine bought that full pork loin from Sam's for making tamales this year....she was amazed at the size.

I would do a buffet type meal or brunch. Meat and cheese tray with some special breads, veggie and fruit tray with dip maybe some spicy meat balls or those tiny hillshire farms weiners with special sauce in crockpot. Chips and dip, nuts and drinks..etc..you could also add some macaroni salad.