Maybe your mom has gotten really into macrobiotic cooking, or maybe your aunt’s annual throwdown wouldn’t be complete without at least one visit from the fire department. Going home for the holidays isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be. This year, start a new tradition. Make up a lame excuse, FedEx the presents, teach your dad how to finally use FaceTime, and invite all your favorite fellow “orphans” to go out instead. These seven San Antonio restaurants are guaranteed to bring joy to your world.

Crumpets
Chef Francois Maeder’s European eatery has been the place for classic, white tablecloth dining in San Antonio for over three decades, but this year will be the first time the restaurant opens their doors on Christmas Day. To kick things off right, the restaurant will be offering a sumptuous prix fixe including choices like stuffed artichoke with goat cheese and almonds, vol au vent avec crevette (a bowl-shaped pastry topped with shrimp), a beef ribeye, and a gorgeous buttercream bûche de noël.

Las Canarias
Between the tacky festooned sweaters and the glittery decked halls, Christmas is the most extra holiday of them all. So it seems fitting that Las Canarias pulled out all the stops for their Christmas brunch buffet. The lavish spread is full of delights like oysters on the half shell, carved herb roasted duck, waffles topped with candy cane bits, and egg nog milkshakes. Come fully decked in your seasonal finest. Five golden rings are optional.

Las Ramblas at the Hotel Contessa
Christmas is one of the best days of the year for catching up on your must-see movie list. But you don’t want to risk angering the crowds when your stomach starts to grumble. Give yourself a solid foundation with a brunch buffet that includes everything from light salads and a smoked salmon spread to rich dishes like roasted flank steak with wild mushrooms or bacon mac and cheese.

Oro at the Emily Morgan
If all you want for Christmas is some good roast beef, you are in luck. Oro’s three course holiday prix fixe showcases prime rib with au jus, horseradish cream, and fixings like loaded twice baked potatoes, grilled broccolini, and warm dinner rolls. For dessert, keep things traditional with a cool chocolate yule log.

Range
Nothing gives us the holiday warm fuzzies like a really great meal. Go all out this year with chef Jason Dady’s luxurious offerings like seared foie gras, sturgeon caviar, tableside Caesar salad, and — of course — a big honking steak. Don’t forget to call over the martini cart. Christmas isn't Christmas without an ice cold cocktail.

Sichuan House
No Christmas Day dining roundup would be complete without at least one Chinese restaurant, so we would be remiss not to list the best. Finicky eaters will find much to like in American Chinese staples like lo mein and fried rice, but we encourage you to dive a little deeper into the menu where you’ll find beautifully executed dishes like spicy cumin lamb, mapo tofu, wok seared whole fish, or deconstructed hot pot sautés with signature Sichuan numbing spices.

Supper
Yes, you can try to host your friends at home, but your sad tinsel tree hardly inspires anyone to be joyful and triumphant. So why not bring the gang to the Hotel Emma, where every square inch is decorated with vintage ornaments, holiday greenery, and sparkling lights. While you are there, feast on spiced roasted pork loin with apple marmalade, pickled mustard, blistered beans and almonds and parmesan and rosemary potato gratin.