My feed
Premium

Please
or
to access all these features

From present ideas to party food, find all your Christmas inspiration here.

Christmas

Plan xmas day for me please - its just me a two young DC's.

17 replies

MummyAbroad · 17/12/2011 19:44

So it looks like I will be spending xmas day alone with the kids, family cant make it out to visit, friends are all busy, and me and H seperated 7 months ago. He is going to take DS1 out on xmas eve and bring him back at bedtime, and then the three of us will be on our own.

DS1 is 3.5 years old and very excited about all the presents he will get (lots!) I dont think he will really miss a proper xmas dinner, because he is a bit young to remember that is what you are supposed to do. Cooking it is the last thing I want to do anyway as DS2 is only 6 weeks old and keeps my hands full.

So whats a good plan for the day? So far I can envisage the present opening, and then not much else - everything is closed on the 25th here so going out to eat is not an option - whats easy to cook/eat but is also a bit different/special (I am vegetarian but DS isnt) I am also at a loss for ideas to entertain us, we have spent so much time in the house together recently, because going out in late pregnancy/early newborn stage was so difficult - I have run out of ideas. The weather is quite nice here though (rainy season just ending) so going out for a walk/to the park is an option, but I am struggling to think of how to make it a "special" activity.

Ideas please!

OP posts:
Report
ImperialBlether · 17/12/2011 19:51

I would say that you should each have your favourite meal and eat it at the dining table by candlelight with Christmas songs playing.

Depending on what you like to eat, you might do better making it a few days early and freezing it.

Could he go to the park wearing a Santa hat and take some bread for the birds/nuts for squirrels?

Report
MummyAbroad · 17/12/2011 20:05

Love the idea of candles and music, thats something we never do.

We have squirrels in the park too - we can take them some "christmas dinner" Xmas Smile (they only eat coconuts though.. will take some planning, but do-able)

OP posts:
Report
pinkyp · 17/12/2011 20:15

Don't forget cakes / treats and a Christmas DVD all cuddled up on sofa in the evening, Smile perhaps let's your dc get dressed up/ fancy dress. I hope you have a great day.

Report
ImperialBlether · 17/12/2011 20:54

What about a special bubble bath and you and he have a lovely bath before he goes to bed? A new book for him would be good, too.

Oh and you could do the MN thing of having new pyjamas etc on Christmas Eve.

Report
Greenwing · 17/12/2011 21:34

Oh poor you.
I well remember how tough it is to fill a whole day alone with a toddler and baby.

Candlelit meals will make them special and three small courses will make it seem different - when DS was 2 he had crisps and dips, turkey and potatoes,then ice-cream. (Turkey was bought from supermarket cooked and sliced - I just heated it up!)
Serve it on special plates saved just for Christmas day?

Some presents can be saved for later (but don't tell him they are - just produce them after lunch).
Do you have some presents that will give him something to do eg colouring or stickers. That will help to fill the time.

Find instructions on internet for good paper aeroplanes - a great timefiller which you could make in advance to keep him amused while you see to baby.

Definitely some good DVDs as presents to pass the time together especially when you are feeding eg the Jungle Book, Toy Story.

Do you like singing? You could watch some Christmas carols being sung on You Tube and join in?!

Even if you are not religious (or perhaps are, but not Christian) how about taking him out of the house to visit a church and explain to him that is why we celebrate Christmas. It would be different and pass the time. If you go to a Catholic church he can light a candle of his own or you could try out a Christmas service suitable for children.

Good luck and Merry Christmas.

Report
nkf · 17/12/2011 21:37

Lots of music and dancing around. Hold the baby and dance. Pick up the toddler and dance. Everyone have an afternoon nap. Walk in the park. Candles always magical. Have a lovely day.

Report
MummyAbroad · 17/12/2011 23:15

lots more good ideas thanks!

Holding back some presents for later is an especially good idea, but I dont know if I will be able to - I love watching him open stuff and cant wait for him to see everything

I think my aversion to cooking was putting me off track, but I love the idea of a three course meal, and if I prep in advance/buy it ready made it should be do-able.


so, so far I have.

wake up and open presents from Santa and Mummy
breakfast - i guess this needs to be christmas'd up too?
bubble bath (with all three of us? )
skype family in England and open presents from them
three course lunch with candle light and music
go and feed squirrels
eat sweets and watch TV/dance to music

....?

OP posts:
Report
PeanutsRoastingOnAnOpenFire · 17/12/2011 23:34

Breakfast should be chocolate of the selection box variety Xmas Grin

Report
moaninlisa · 18/12/2011 08:19

Additions to list

Spend some time making paper snow flakes with DS1

A Christmas DVD fairly short one

Spread presents throughout the day keeps excitement going

Take lots of pictures

Report
BarkisIsWillin · 18/12/2011 12:42

Hats off Xmas Smile for trying to be as festive as possible for your ds. I notice you are not complaining about being in a foreign country or the obvious fact that you separated when you were only a few weeks pregnant - it must all be very hard for you. I hope some of your own friends/family do something really nice for you even if they can't be with you on the day. All I can suggest is lots of festive music and loads of hugs for both dc, keep as cosy as possible and ensure you have plenty of everyone's favourite food.

Report
ImperialBlether · 18/12/2011 13:36

When my children were little I used to do them 'treat plates' - there'd be a little bit of everything on the plate - a fromage frais, a few grapes, cubes of cheese, Ritz crackers, couple of chocolate fingers etc. They'd always have that on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day for their tea, sitting by the fire watching a DVD.

How about making a Christmas cake on Christmas Eve - just a Victoria sponge cake with icing and maybe candles or a dessert firework on top, ready for Christmas tea time?

Report
serin · 18/12/2011 19:44

If you are at all religious Mummyabroad, I would recommend visiting a church, lots of festive atmosphere there with as many candles and carols as you like!.

Maybe make a gingerbread house in the afternoon?

If they have a nap, pop back on here, Mumsnet is open as usual Xmas Smile

Report
lucysmam · 18/12/2011 20:01

Do a treasure hunt with DS1 to find some of his presents later in the day, my girls would love to do something like that (must remember to mention that to dp)

Have fun whatever you decide to do Xmas Smile

Report
pinkyp · 18/12/2011 20:25

Can I come please? Grin

Report
RosemaryandThyme · 18/12/2011 20:38

Games can be enjoyed by 3.5 year olds, (and fills a few of the gaps) ie

Christmas cricket (tube from wrapping paper for bat, screwed up paper for ball).
Hide and Squeak.
Pass the parcel (good at the table at lunchtime).

Purchased games like Hungary Hippos, (lots of others, can generally be bought for less than £5)

Report
Ispywith · 18/12/2011 20:47

we made ginger bread men biscuits the other day. Was great as once the dough was made the kids spent ages cutting them out with cutters and then once cooked we decorated them. Nice recipie from delia online. Oh and def get out for some fresh air/walk and then snuggle up with a dvd. Have a lovely time! Your kids are lucky to have a lovely mummy thinking of how and what to do and making it magical

Report
MummyAbroad · 19/12/2011 20:58

thanks everyone! more great ideas. Decorating cookies will go down especially well, I love the idea of a treasure hunt. I may change it slightly and hide sweets instead of presents, DS got given stacks at end of term/birthday parties/xmas parties recently so we could use those.

I think I will give the local churches a miss though as it is a very catholic country and we get enough religion shoved down our throats in our lives and besides everyone celebrates here on the 24th rather than the 25th.

BarkisWillin I dont consider myself unfortunate, quite the opposite, DS2 arrived after a lot of complications/problems and I am chuffed to bits here is here healthy and happy, it far outweights any other problems. (Also anti depressants are helping tons Grin) xxx

pinkyP you are more than welcome Smile Its only a 18 hour trip...

OP posts:
Report
Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.