then much later i had a mini pizza, worked out and enjoyed a nice evening thunderstorm and went to bed .

I totally go through the same thing every holiday (except for kidcats) because I’m the Mom and I end up hosting. There’s no such thing as an “easy holiday family meal.”

Add in the time it took to plan, shop for, and fix the dishes that could be made in advance .

I hear ya!

I didn't celebrate. But I learned a couple of years ago at a family Thanksgiving I hosted, that I was long past my "sell by" date on big dinner preparations. That last one, I even only gave the house a once-over of the bathroom and worst looking rooms. Keeping up with the fur kids is a full time job... they have the run of the house, and it shows (gryn). Funny thing around here is when we have "company" they don't know, you'd swear I only had one cat... if any. It's amazing how quickly they can find hidey-holes far away from any prying eyes -- even those that search for them!! As well, they seem to have a sixth sense as to when the last person is headed out the door... and I get the evil eye from them all, until they get their treat of ham, etc....

.. gets to host the next family holiday dinner.

Old Dame, you deserve many days off, especially on holidays.

all preparations must be done by younger generations.
That is the beauty of growing old - you can set the rules, at least in my family.
Honestly, I'm grateful that they step forward so that we can continue to gather on special days.
And, yes, I have nice leftovers waiting me in the refrigerator.