Our tradition has been to have a fresh ham (this year since it's just the two of us, I got a small pork loin roast) and pop it in the oven early in the morning. The day before I have made up some fruit salad. That with the Christmas goodies, which include things like a cheese ball, comprise our 'Christmas dinner.' It's always made things much more relaxing so we could spend more time with the kids. And, now, since Thanksgiving and Christmas Day are the only two days when hubby can completely put work out of his mind, it still works for us. We can spend time together without the distraction of the phone ringing or him checking the time-keeping system.
We are quite happy to have a relaxing day like this. Our daughter and her husband went to South Bend this morning for a couple of days, and our son went to church and in-laws (although they are probably home now).
I enjoy present-giving, too. I surprised my son-in-law with a Bob Dylan movie and The Bob Dylan Scrapbook. I deduced these would be good presents from an off-hand comment our daughter made. He didn't even realize I knew he liked Bob Dylan. (Of course, I got over Bob Dylan about 30 years ago, but HE is fascinated with him, so it was a good gift.)
I keep a mental file of what people are interested in, so that when I gift-shop I can be alert for something really good. Often, it doesn't need to cost much.
I really did my legs in yesterday. Every joint is aching. I hope by tomorrow I am recuperated, since we have a lot of things to get done. Tomorrow is hubby's birthday, and I want to make sure he gets to do those things he wants without me whining about my knees.