To feel like there's so much pressure to make Christmas magical?

Think of social media like you would a film, or a magazine spread. You suspend disbelief but you know it’s not real. It’s the same, no-one lives like that really. It’s all smoke and mirrors to look pretty.

I don’t expect to look like the models because it’s photoshop. The same applies to the houses. Even if I did have the inclination who honestly has the time or money?

Your DS won’t remember whether there was a Christmas Cup, or a light show, or a creepy elf. He will remember how he felt. That he was warm, loved, and spent time with his favourite people. What else is there to worry about?

I just Googled this North Pole breakfast. It appears to be a shedload of sugar.

I used to get caught up in all these… I want to say American traditions but found I was so busy faffing I wasn’t present and watching my children enjoy Christmas. I asked DD7 what she likes to do and built a routine from there: Christmas Eve walk, picky bits and Home Alone 2 - not a single trip to home bargains required!!

I’ve got a 5 yo and a 2 yo. We’ve done nothing ‘festive’ beyond what DC1’s school has organised (nativity and Christmas fair). We spent today as we normally would if it had been a bog standard weekend. Tomorrow will be very low key. No family beyond the 4 of us, chilled meals, presents probably done by 8am and likely still a trip to the park.

DC1 is autistic and does not cope with change. But even if he wasn’t, the most wrung out, fraught parents I’ve seen are the ones throwing a shit ton of money and a shit ton of time (and a shit ton of expectations) in the pursuit of ‘making memories’ with tired, wrung out children who just want to relax after a long term at school.

Also I think having a specific plate to buy for Santa's mince pie and carrot to go on is a sign of capitalism that's about collapse it on itself

Completely agree. I didn't even know Christmas Eve boxes were a thing until recently.
Also everyone now seems to have added to the to-do list that they must assemble all toys etc before Christmas day.
When I was a kid, it was one of the things that kept the excitement going - you'd open your presents and later on Dad would get his specs out and dig out batteries or you'd assemble the thing and watch it gradually come to life.
Everyone seems to be assembling trampolines in the pitch black at midnight on Christmas eve and I just don't think you have to.

Your Christmas sounds like ours. Today my husband took the kids to the park then we swapped and I took them to pets at home to buy a present for DCat 😂 this evening we had pizza and chips infront of the tv watching home alone. Tomorrow is presents plus roast dinner and that's basically it. We don't do elf on shelf, any Christmas eve boxes or trains. Gifts are under the tree and on the sofa in respective piles plus stocking from Santa. V similar to our Christmases growing up and I LOVED them.

Delete your social media accounts and stop watching tv from October and you'll be fine!

Try to think about how lucky you and your family are. There are many out there who can't afford to get a turkey and a pile of presents and nice nibbles. Or many who don't get to spend Christmas with their loved ones for various reasons.

Not only that, it’s designed to get parents to spend money.

Consumerism at its finest. Block social media and live your life.

Same! I remember selection boxes and fresh orange juice.

Crackers at the table.

It seems to have all become crazy in recent years. My adult children state opening stockings in the parental bed as the best part of their Christmases when young

You’re Christmas sounds absolutely lovely, he’ll remember this time with you and those lovely activities forever x

My children are all adults now but when they were small we didn't have elf on the shelf, Christmas Eve boxes or social media! They had presents and a nice time with their family and friends and were very happy and excited when they woke up and saw their stockings ☺️ honestly, social media comparisons are so damaging - if you're having fun with your little one, that's all he needs. Enjoy him, I miss those years now mine are all grown!

Don't torture yourself about the things you haven't done, enjoy the things you have done. Children don't notice things like fancy decorations and packaging. Elf on the Shelf, Christmas Eve boxes, lighting your house up like Blackpool Illuminations is all unnecessary faff, adds to the expense of Christmas and is added stress. You say you've got a nice Christmas tree, presents and no doubt a tasty Christmas lunch to enjoy, all of that and enjoying being together for the day should be enough. Christmas has become too commercialised and it doesn't have to be so expensive and stressful. Let those who want to waste money on naff Christmas mugs etc., most of it is posted on social media to convey an image of "look at us, with our perfect life, home interiors like a magazine, happy, smiley family, exotic holiday snaps, days out, meals out ..." Be content and happy with your life, don't compare it to others, be thankful for what you have and for the family and genuine friends you have around you. Wishing you a Happy Christmas 🎄 🎁 🦃 🥳 🎉 🙂

If you want a lovely Christmas don't engage with social media. Just close it for a week. You will. be surprised how lovely your time will be.

Happy Christmas!

Your Xmas sounds magical to me

they don’t need Xmas cups ffs

I just googled North Pole Breakfast. f'ing ridiculous! I am a grandparent, I love to cook and I'm happy to make huge amounts of effort to create nice/special dishes and to cater to everyone's needs and preferences. But North Pole Breakfast - no way! I'd rather give dgc a carrot and some ice!

Lol but agree, one of my favourite christmas things was the bowls of sweets and nuts. Sweets were rare the rest of the year.

Social media has ruined most things now because it's like a competition and people doing their best see these posts and get upset that their Christmas / Valentine's day / mother's Day / etc isn't good enough . You need to give zero fucks about anything on social media, you'll feel much better .

The most precious gift we can give our children is our time.
No phone tomorrow, check it for messages after bed time. If grandparents phone, let him speak to them.
Concentrate on a relaxed atmosphere, dont try too hard at anything including the lunch, and give your child your undivided attention.
Have a lovely day.

I’m not on social media. I don’t need to be. My child is incredibly excited. It’s cute. I’m sure their memories won’t be marred by me not being arsed with Christmas Eve boxes or elf etc.

Your Christmas sounds lovely by the way OP- hope you have a nice day.

Aim to make Christmas lovely, not magical. If your children believe in Father's Christmas, then that's magical enough.

YANBU the pressure is silly. What is a North Pole breakfast?!