Help me make this Christmas special!

[HushAByeBaby]

I know it's early but this Christmas isn't going to be like every other.

We live hundreds of miles from family and DH is going to be away this Christmas (armed forces). We've had offers to go back and stay with family but I don't drive and with 2 small kids, I don't fancy flying with a load of presents.

I'm really worrying that Xmas is going to be boring for the kids. Normally we go to longleat and do the festival of light on Xmas eve but as I said, I don't drive so that tradition is out the window.

I just want it to still feel special for the kids. Any suggestions of xmassy type things I could do for them to make this Christmas memorable? They're really missing their dad as he's been gone since June. I don't want this Xmas to be a let down. DC will be 5 and 2.5. Thanks

If your only issue of flying is transporting gifts (understandable), you could courier things in advance. It's really not that expensive to send very large boxes through certain couriers.

There are some complex family issues that making staying home a less stressful option but thank you for the suggestion ☺️

Let the children pick the menu for the day.

Book some other lovely Christmas things eg visit to father christmas, Carol concert, panto etc. I probably wouldn't bother spending all day in the kitchen cooking a hugh christmas dinner for such young kids. I'd probably do a table full of yummy party/buffet food instead so you spend time playing rather than cooking.

Definitely have party food. Jelly and ice cream! Watch loads of Christmas films and make paper chains. Panto, walk (hopefully in the snow!)

Complete side tracking the thread but do you not drive through choice?

Do you have any friends in the same situation? Invite them round for the day!
If not then as pp have said there’s no point spending the day cooking a roast dinner - get some party food in!
Go out on Christmas Eve to a pantomime or cinema, or the crib service at church. Bake some mince pies or festive biscuits with the kids.,

Holly Have sat my test and failed miserably. Moved overseas the day after my test so it was put on hold. Now have to wait until March for DH to come home so I can do an intensive course.

when my dad was away at christmas once my mum had us write letters to him and leave them with santa’s mince pie and told us that santa would drop the letters off to our dad on his way back to the north pole. we also had a buffet tea with all our favourite foods and watched christmas films before all sleeping in bed (including the dog!) with our mum.

sunshineandshowers21 Love that!

Hire a snow machine?

I was just curious because learning to drive honestly changed my life - the freedom! Especially with a DD!

Holly I'd learn again tomorrow if money/childcare weren't factors. I walk 6 miles a day in all weathers for the school run** with poor 2 year old stuck in the pushchair. Life will be so much easier once I've got my licence.

Christmas eve walk with torches to look at all the christmas lights on houses?
Honestly, OP, I think you've got a fair chance at making this the most memorable christmas yet.

Home made advent calendars with a little gift each day.
Celebrate St Nicholas feast on 6th December with sweets and gingerbread.
Bake Christmas biscuits together.
Decorate their room with paper chains etc.
Let them help decorate the tree.
Make things to send to Dad.
Visit a carol festival.
Play Christmas music/songs.

I think the idea of having all their favourite foods is great, more fun for small children than a roast dinner.

A fun thing I saw on another thread was to keep a bucket/bowl of sweets by the front door and offer all callers a sweet.

I'm sure you will all have a great time!! [santa] [santa]

Are you on a base? Does the relevant force organise anything?