For years now we have gathered for Thanksgiving at 5 pm and on Christmas Eve. I three DD's and with their children and spouses, as well as my parents, my husband's parents, and my sister and brother-in-law, that makes 20 to count on. I have always also had 3-4 extras (someone I run in to that doesn't have a family to celebrate the holdays with). The late Thanksgiving dinner has worked for years because my dd's families all eat an early dinner (around noon). We started celebrating Christmas on Christmas Eve when the grandkids started coming so that they wouldn't have to drag the little ones out on Christmas day. I hated that when my kids were small, but felt obligated. Thanksgiving is a full meal with about 10 dishes plus desserts. Christmas Eve I heat a spiral ham from Heavenly Hams and make a pan of scalloped potatoes. The family brings some sides and some snacks and we just munch buffet style. There's always a visit from Santa which makes things really special for the little ones :)