Anyone else having a 'weird' Christmas Eve?

[oxocube]

My kids are now 15, 13 and 9. The youngest doesn't believe in FC now, although he plays along to humour me .

We went to the evening church service, got back at 8.30 and we are all now in front of Harry Potter on the telly and everything is calm and serene. For the first time in many years there is none of the panic or drama or kiddie hyperactivity I have become used to!! We are debating whether 9am is too early to get up tomorrow.

I kind of like it and kind of don't

[jemimapotts]

Sounds wonderful! My 9 year old DS has been a nightmare all day, and shows no sign of calming down for sometime.

[oxocube]

The dog is quite hyper though ..........

[scouserabroad]

I went to midnight mass with the DDs (aged 3 and 4) and they have just gone to bed after charging round for a bit attempting to sing Silent Night.

Dh is away for work & won't be back until boxing day, so I'm on my own putting the presents under the tree. I know I'm not technically on my own but it's the first time I've been the only adult at home for Christmas, and it feels odd!

A few of my neighbours are sitting on the grass in front of the building, drinking wine straight from the bottle. They are not a pretty sight, so I'm going to shut the curtains & put some music on!

[chrimblycompo]

Shouldn't midnight mass be at.... Er midnight?!

[MumInBeds]

I think her username 'scouserabroad' gives a clue, chrimblycompo

[oxocube]

Oh good luck Scouser! For the first time, our presents are around the tree rather than hidden to be brought down when youngest is asleep. This definitely changes things as there is less pressure to get them to bed!! All kids are allowed to look but touch NOTHING, not even the tags, which they are finding quite challenging

[chrimblycompo]

Lol
drinks some more wine

[scouserabroad]

chrimblycompo, yes, it should I guess it's just one of those quirky names... I don't know of any church that does an actual midnight mass. Ours started at 9 pm (not UK timezone) and ends around 10 ish - we left early because the DDs started pissing about!

[IAmReallyFabNow]

Every night we end up getting cross as the kids won't go to bed and stay there quietly, and then the youngest is disturbed. Just realised we haven't had to go up once. Better go and check that dc1 and 2 have lights out and are asleep.

[musicposy]

Mine are 14 and 11, and it's the first year DD2 hasn't bothered to play along with Father Christmas. I think she was hanging on to it a bit herself the last couple of years, but this year, she really, truly knows and isn't trying to hide it.

It's a bit weird. None of the "oh, I'm so excited, Santa's coming" stuff. She just said, "I'll hang my stocking on the outside of the door, it'll be easier". I know she means for me.

It's kind of calm but kind of sad. I sort of miss having a little one who is so excited they are fit to burst!

[oxocube]

Ds (9) ... "yeah, I'll put out a sock" (when I can take my eyes off the telly and be bothered)

[IAmReallyFabNow]

DH called "Those that want Father Christmas to come need to put something out for him" and even the 9 year old came running. From what I have read on here I guess it could be the last year he believes .