Christmas ideas please!

[TheCunkOfPhilomena]

Hello,

I've been a LP for almost two years and, whilst it's hard work, it's infinitely preferable to being with DS's dad.

I'm getting a bit worried about how to make Christmas special for DS (will be 4 in January), I am very aware that he doesn't have any siblings to play with and want him to have a magical time but need ideas!

I have bought him his first bike for Christmas so, weather permitting, we'll go out after Christmas lunch for his first ride. I do Elf On The Shelf which he loves and he'll doubtless have new toys to play with. I don't know though, I want something that's for 'us' and is special. Does that even make sense?

He won't eat Christmas lunch (my parents are coming round so we'll have some company) as he doesn't like roast dinners and I don't want to get into the whole 'eat some veg' on Christmas day.

I'll probably do the new pjs on Christmas eve and say they're a present from the elf and we'll bake gingerbread men for FC and leave them above the fireplace.

Any other ideas? He's had a bit of a tough time and I really want to make this something to remember. Maybe a good board game or DVD? Bloody Christmas, it's the only time of year I become very aware of us being a LP family.

[JuniperTisane]

I wouldn't get too complicated with the day itself. Presents, grandparents, dinner, bike, board game, dvd. Done.

Have you thought about booking a pantomime in the week after christmas?

[BlackeyedSusan]

when santa visits here, he leaves snowy footprints and a scattering of smarties and chocolate coins.

when santa visits my mums house he leaves snowy footprints from the track of landing lights we lay out in the garden. (tea lights in glass jars)

we also put out a santa stop here sign which ds tried to get out last week ready.

[TheCunkOfPhilomena]

Thank you for the wise words! I am probably putting more pressure on myself than necessary!

I like the snowy footprints idea and DS would love the smarties . I'll have a look at pantos, he's only been to the theatre once but quite enjoyed it.

If it were just him and me then I would go with the nibbles for food but as my parents will be here then I need to do a veggie Christmas lunch but shall do nibbles as well and maybe let him just pick what he likes from that.

[fedupbutfine]

We do a pantomine, usually a matinee in early December although I've got tickets for an evening performance on the day we finish school this year. I also do a 'go to the garden centre, have a bacon sandwich and buy a stupidly priced Xmas tree decoration each on the same day as we put the tree up' trip! They enjoy going through the box when we get back and remembering who bought what the previous years. A few special things on the run up to Xmas will help build anticipation - trip to see Santa? trip to Lidl to buy a load of their Xmas chocolate?! Don't worry too much, I'm sure you'll all have a great time.

[starlight1234]

I have the day as me and just son. We are going to the theatre christmas eve. WE always make gingerbread house christmas eve and have it for breakfast christmas day. Dinner we have done alsorts. DS does like roast dinner so I did the mini yorkshires with beef in when he was a toddler. No rules about what you eat though but think it is worth considering something you will enjoy as well as the kids don't tend to care how nice the dinner is.

We obviously open pressies in the am and essentially play games all day. I used to give myself a no electronics rule for me untill DS now wants to play on his so it is limited. We watch the queens speech.. It is simply the quality time we spend together that counts.

[minkymuskyslyoldstoaty]

reindeer food has always been a hit with my only dc, don't think we did it last yr (she was 11 lol).

glitter and porridge oats, sprinkle outside in a garden or pathway. or if you don't have outside space you could sprinle it out of the window. its food, and magic all in one!

[Ijustworemytrenchcoat]

A Christmas Eve box like this is a lovely tradition. Pyjamas for him (and you), sweets, a book, a film. A perfect opportunity to snuggle up and get in the mood for Christmas.

[TheCunkOfPhilomena]

Haha, I was talking about doing that with my DM Ijustwore , I thought that the Elf (from EotS) could deliver them to the front door and leave the gift on the doorstep?

[Ijustworemytrenchcoat]

It sounds good, nothing makes me happier than a good Christmas film.

[HHH3]

Google Portable North Pole. It's not live yet but when it is you can get a video of Santa sending him a message. You put in photos, name, things he likes etc and Santa sends a video just for him. Watch it yourself first then watch his face when you show it to him!

[minkymuskyslyoldstoaty]

portable north pole, makes me cry every year, even tho it's me who has 'created it!'

dd wasn't into it last year, a bit old so i watched it. we have agreed to do the cat this year :)

[1luvgosling]

When my daughter was two I papered up the door to the lounge so she could break through to her pressies. She loved it!

[waithorse]

If you do reindeer food, please don't leave it outside. Animal's eat the oats and also the glitter. It's very dangerous for them.