Hi Prussian! A very valuable answer. Although I am not good at cooking, "taking over" their kitchen is still a very good suggestion. Thank you! — Frank 1 min ago

Thank you! Now I am not restricted to Christmas day! — Frank 31 secs ago

You mention professional relation - is this person one of your coworkers or a boss? Or just someone who works in the same field as you? — Erik 1 min ago

"The important thing about a gift is that it is given without intent to receive something back." This may be true in the USA, but in some cultures the only motivation for a gift is that something will be given back, unless the recipient wants to become a persona non grata. — alephzero 2 mins ago

We can't make this decision for you. Of these 3 people, whose presence is most important to you? When you've edited that preference into the question, we might be able to come up with suggestions to help you in breaking that news to your other friends, e.g. how to uninvite the ex, or how to try to convince your other friends to come even if she's (not) there. — Llewellyn 1 min ago

Christmas gifts are often considered a thing by themselves. If you get them something, they may feel inclined to get you something as well, even if your gift is intended to be in response to them inviting you to dinner. — NotThatGuy 1 min ago