Christmas Eve Dinner

Sorry I don't know that area at all so I have no suggestions. If the family insists on going to the nice restaurant, go. It's hard when the kids are little, but they can learn how to behave in restaurants and then these family gatherings may be really nice for everyone. My kids are older now - 10, 14,17, & 19, but we did take them to nice restaurants when they were very small. I discovered by accident that kids understand a lot before we adults think they can, but they have short attention spans. So I would let them know a few days before that we were going to the restaurant and they had to be quiet, sit in their chair and we would be there for a long time ( it is like forever to them). Just before we arrived, I would remind them again. If they became too noisy one of us took the offending child outside. My husband and I would take turns taking the kid outside so one of us could eat. It takes a while for them to get this, but in the end they understand the expected behavior and people comment on how well they are behaved! I think we tend to forget that it's our job to teach them what is expected. They don't really know unless we tell them. Could you imagine your husband taking you somewhere with different rules and no one told you? I think it must be like that for kids. Hope you have a good Christmas Eve Dinner wherever it is!

Don't quote me on this...but I think the Landmark ($12-$15 a person) in Mesa decorates for Christmas. I seem to remember christmas lights there in the past and they are family friendly (if you have a large group you can also reserve one of their rooms. We reserved the Garden room one year and decked it out for Christmas with our own decorations. I would check to see if they are open on Christmas Eve, that I don't know.

Almost forgot...it is located @Main/Extension

Love the Rustler's Rooste idea! On the resort so you know there will be christmas lights everywhere!!! I am sure they will have a special xmas menu that will be nicer than just bbq and beans. :)

Bucca di Beppo - Catholics gotta love that place :)
Rustler's Rooste - C&W, but stunning view of Phoenix and super kid friendly

Neither are super nice, but they are festive.

sorry, i get this and I know it's hard. I don't have a restaurant but I'd suggest taking a satchel full of distractions with you to the restaurant. Tiny toys, coloring books......whatever works for that 3 year old. Cheerios, etc... for the 1 year old. Then make a plan with your husband to take turns taking the kids outside to walk around a while at tough times.......like waiting for dinner to be served, and coffee after dinner.

I think this sounds like a wonderful family tradition! Good for your family. I do think if it was me I would have a babysitter lined up and drop the kids off for just a few hours after Mass so I could enjoy the adult family time. The kids will have plenty of time with the family over the holidays and one dinner at a "Nice" restaurant, late in the evening, isn't going to be a big deal. Once they started getting older and able to sit that long I would let it be a big deal they were getting to go, like a rite of passage.

I would REALLY enjoy adult time.

Okay, I have to say this... why do you go out to a restaurant on Christmas Eve? I am so thankful that where I live, everything shuts down by 6pm (or earlier) on Christmas Eve, to allow families to attend church or at least spend the evening together.

So, I obviously don't have a restaurant suggestion but... why not have a potluck at your house or go out to eat first and come back to your house (or someone's house) for appetizers etc. I know preparing it is more work, but if you do something simple with paper plates and cups, you would enjoy everyone's company and be able to talk with more family, rather thna just seated around you at a restaurant.