Well, I know factually (from the date) that I had a toddler, one nursing baby and one in the oven December 96, but maybe that accounts for my total lack of memory of the event. Glad I took pictures ;-)
Seriously, unless they've got photos I question their memory.
I don't remember what I doing Christmas 96 or last year for that matter. But, I do know all of my family was there because I've never had a Christmas when they weren't.