Christmas traditions...

[skyyequake]

So this is my first Christmas alone with DD, who will be coming up 18 months this year... Her dad was abusive and so I really want to enjoy Christmas without his atmosphere spoiling it and am just looking for ideas of things people love to do with the DC when its just you and them!

We have plans for the afternoon with family, but to me Christmas mornings are really special! Also any Christmas eve traditions too

[OhHolyFuck]

Following too if you don't mind, this'll be the first christmas on my own too (DSs will be 3.5 and nearly 6) although I do think their dad will come round in the morning to see them open presents etc
I think it'll be all about the toys tbh so I'm hoping to have a really laid back, easy day where they can just unwrap and play with their things and we'll have some food but probably not the big dinner, somewhere along the way

[Somerville]

She's at a great age to really love all the simple things. Make reindeer food with oats and glitter with her and then on Christmas Eve she can go mad sprinkling it around outside. Crib service at a local church will be lovely if you don't object to that. Then into Christmas pjs (obligatory for you as well, of course!) for hot chocolate and putting out stockings.

It's also great on Christmas Eve to find s way to think about those less fortunate or even do something for them, but she might be too little to understand that.

It's a great age to start teaching them about the important thing being loving each other and spending time together, not rampant consumerism. Some ways to do that with a toddler are making cards or gifts for family and friends rather then buying them. Stockings at that age can be filled with books and duplo and the like from charity shops without them even knowing the difference. And if your family will buy for her then keep what santa gets her limited to one or two tree presents.

[ThatStewie]

A Christmas Eve basket with new pyjamas, a Christmas DVD/book and reindeer dust. You can get really cheap DVDs at charity shops. What about baking cookies to take to family the next day. In the morning, just playing with her toys and reading new books is a great way to start the day. What about Christmas cookie cutters in her stocking that you can use to make shaped pancakes?

[SarahMOs]

We used to find an old boot 'left behind' belonging to Father Chrismas when we came downstairs on Christmas morning! Was so fun! Watch a lovely Christmas film on Christmas Eve and put out a mince pie and carrot!

[megletthesecond]

Xmas eve pj's.
Watch The Snowman.

[crazybat]

Ahhhh love this thread!!

So in my house santa delivers the stocking and mummy does the rest plus other family members.

So the night before we do santa stuff. Put out santas key. Find santas plate - (santa has a can of coke and some celebrations and he's sick of mince pies and a carrot for rudolf.

'Twas the night before Christmas before bed.

Then I put all the presents in the front room and paper up the door!

The kids burst in in the morning but stocking only. And one main present.

Go and get McDonald's breakfast

Christmas films etc while do lunch

After lunch - my dad dresses as santa and hands out the presents

Then a huge paper fight.

We have an afternoon/ evening board game one for kids and one for adults new one each year

Then snack bits in the evening.

I love Christmas!

[Violetcharlotte]

Hi OP, well done on getting out of an abusive relationship, that takes an enormous amount of courage. It's great that you're looking forward to Christmas with your LO and want to make it special. I've been in my own, more or less, with my DC for 12 years and to start with, I found Christmas a bit lonely, but now I absolutely love the fact I have them all to myself, don't have to argue over whose parents to visit, etc.

When mine were really small they used to enjoy visiting garden centres to look at all the decorations and choose a special one each for the tree. Of how about going for a drive at night time round the town to look at all the lights on the houses?
I'm sure whatever you do will be lovely x

[skyyequake]

Ooh papering up the door sounds fun!

I'm not sure DD is old enough for baking yet but I'll store that idea away for next year

Love hearing about all your Christmases

[skyyequake]

Thank you Violetcharlotte

Unfortunately I don't have a car or a drivers license! But we might go out for a nice Christmas eve walk... There are some lovely lights in our town at Christmas time