My in-laws want to take our entire family on vacation for Christmas this year.
There will be 9 adults: 2-50 somethings, 4- 30 somethings with 4 kids (ages 5, 3, 2, and 1), and 3-20 somethings. We have had difficulty in the past finding something for everyone to do in one place.
We will be flying from Texas and aren't opposed to going outside the US, but with kids, we thought that the flight times would probably be better if shorter.
Beaches are great, but if there is more than one activity in each place, that is the best.
IF anyone has been anywhere great, please give us advice about where to go!

cruise.

A cruise is a great idea. Then you can get together for activities you all enjoy, like eating

But still leave room for the kids and the 20-somethings to have activities which interest them.

You can get three day (or longer) cruises out of LA or San Diego, I believe, to Mexico.

If you don't want to do a cruise - pick a location you all like and maybe rent a large house.

We did that for us and our all grown children and their spouses and one grandchild in Hawaii.

We've done two family Christmas cruises, San Diego-Mexican Riviera and LA-Hawaii-LA...both were terrific. From the children's ages, it doesn'tlook like you'll have a problem with school schedules, so you'd have plenty to choose from. The five year old should do well in the childrens' program on the ship, I believe the others MIGHT be too young for some activities. Another thought is a dude ranch. We have a wonderful one just west of Phoenix. It is an absolutely gorgeous place with golf, pool, horses, walking, desert tours and a great little town close b y. Rancho de los Caballeros in Wickenburg, Arizona...just a thought...both choices are very festive during the holidays.

I have to agree that a cruise is your best option.

Cruising is very stress free.

The main stress full parts are getting from home to the ship and then from the ship back home.

December is great for cruising, as there is still some warm weather down here in the tropics so you can enjoy the beaches and pool.

My wife and I took her mother in law and her aunt along with our two year old (well she was two at the time) on a Christmas cruise on Costa. It was real fun. They had special christmas dinner. And Santa Claus even made an appearance to give the kids toys.

With a boat like RCL's Navigator of the Seas, or any of the other mega ships (Navigator is 135,000 tons) There is so much to do, you will never get board. From rock climbing, to ice skating to mini golf to the amazing kids program on all Royal Caribbean Ships, you cannot go wrong.

But remember the Christmas cruises fill up fast (I am a travel agent and see it first hand). So if you want your pick of ship and cabins make your decision quickly and reserve now.

Plus imagine a 6 course Christmas dinner where you do not have to clean up or cook.