We don't have the sweets around in abundance on Christmas day so I guess that's why the big difference in the way I do the appetizers. Usually what happens is everyone has breakfast but gets kind of a late start, we open gifts in the early afternoon, and eat the appetizers (by this time of day I'm needing protein), and visit. The main course is cooking all the while, and after a couple hours, we eat dinner. The sweets come in pie / dessert form a few hours later.
Your tradition sounds very similar to a lot of people in Britain. Mine though especially in recent years is not as healthy I will probably have mainly sweets (candies) or nibbles such as crackers and nuts for breakfast then cook dinner.
Christmas is a grazing time for me LOL
Am forcing myself to have breakfast today - an American quick one as it is late muffins seem OK to have mid morning not so sure at 8.00am but nearly 11.00 that is OK.
Then the documentation has arrived that should have been at work yesterday so will do covering letter and get in the post. Long story will elaborate at another time via email.