Have I ruined the last “magic” xmas

I looked into Lapland a while back for my DC. I’m on a decent income but even then I was shocked at the cost. Agree with little things actually making the magic… and mine at the ages of 17 and 15 still get excited about Christmas. So much you can do at your kids age - make your own Xmas cards and decorations, go see some Christmas lights, Xmas movies on tv, local choir carol concert…

my eldest is 6. I’m worried this may be the last Xmas of them believing
Believing in what - the magic of consumerism?

I would also agree that Lapland is really not needed for magic. The magic is time with you.

Sorry things are so tough, but they don’t need lots of money spent to have a magical Christmas at that age.

There are so many free and cheap things to do. If you post where you are (roughly) I’m sure there are loads of suggestions…

making Xmas cookies or cards
paperchains
putting up decorations with Xmas music and a little treat nibble and hot chocolate
lights being switched on
advent candle lighting and singing carols
board games with a tiny prize wrapped in Christmas paper
visiting local streets that have good decorations on the houses

I’m sure there’s more

All the things you usually do, none of them is ‘magic’. You’ve been conned. You certainly don’t need Lapland FFS.

Things that are magical… going out and watching the ‘sleigh’ (ISS) passing over on Christmas Eve. Getting some lichen from the woods and teaching DC what reindeers actually eat (hint, not carrots). Leaving it out for Rudolf. Reading ‘Twas the night before Christmas with the voices. Watching Christmas films bundled up on the sofa with a later bedtime.

It’s so hard to be scraping by. It’s miserable and depressing and stressful. But money doesn’t make magic. It really doesn’t. The competitive ‘magic’ for SM isn’t for children. It’s for their parents.

none of my DC stopped believing a that age. More like 9/10

DC1 was 5. DC2 is 7 and still going. There's no age you can guarantee.

But there's also far too much emphasis on this magic business. I'd never heard anyone describe Christmas as magic or feeling they needed to do specific things to create this "magic" before I was on MN.

Your child will have a perfectly nice Christmas with you and enjoying games and time off and everything else you have to offer. Belief or not in a strange man coming down the chimney is irrelevant.

There is plenty you can do together at low cost
Visit garden centre
See light up hoouses locally
Bake xmas cookies
Go to a childrens service in a church
Visit a xmas market with max £5 to spend challenge
Local amateur panto
Kids wil enjoy rituals at any age.
Growing out of belief in santa does not mean you cannot retain xmas magic and family traditions.

DS9 is still going strong, and can't wait to see Santa tomorrow!

there are so many lovely free/cheap things to do around Christmas it doesn't need to be all paid days out. Go for a walk to look at all the lights. Pack a hot chocolate and go for a walk somewhere beautiful.