Tell DD about new sibling today?

[DorotheaHam]

I'm about 16 weeks, I know what sex the new baby is. My parents know I'm pregnant but in laws don't. We're having a big family gathering with the in laws on Boxing Day.

DW wants to tell in laws tomorrow at the gathering, which I'm fine with. I was hoping to keep the news from DD(5) for a while longer, maybe a few weeks. DW thinks we should tell her when/before we tell the in laws in case she overhears. I see her point, only thing is, the only time to tell her would be today, Christmas Day, as DW is in work early tomorrow until the family party.

I feel a bit like it will overshadow DD's Christmas Day. But I see dw's point about making sure DD doesn't find out from someone other than us.

This all feels a bit rushed, as I couldn't tell DD earlier as we had to wait for Harmony results as my 12 week screening test was high risk.

DD is very keen to have a sibling, often asks for one so I don't think it would be a bad reaction, but part of me worries that this is her last Christmas being the little kid (half siblings are adults) and I don't want to take that away from her.

Anyone got any insight/opinions on what would be best to do?

If your parents can keep it secret I’m sure ILs can too. It might be overwhelming to tell her today. Or underwhelming as she might care more about the presents!

Congratulations!
I personally would tell her Tonight, after a day celebrating Christmas - I wouldn't worry too much either, particularly as she's keen on having a sibling! Besides, she'll have someone to share the Christmas magic with next year which just makes it more special
Happy Christmas

Bethany my parents live 200 miles away and there's two of them. ILs are approx 11 people, and will be tipsy and excited at a party DD is in the middle of. Its more her overhearing someone talking about it as the gathering will be loud and lively. But I completely agree with your sentiment about it being overwhelming.

Custard, thanks! If I was to tell her, evening would be good, yes, away from the early initial excitement of presents etc.

Please do tell her before the ILs.

I would have loved to find that out on Christmas Day as a kid! Best present ever and a reminder that love and family are the real gifts at Christmas not actual belongings.

And oh Congratulations 🎈🍾

Not sure but you sound like a lovely thoughtful parent!

I'm with custard, tell her this evening as a "we've got an extra special present for you" she'll love it!!!!

It may be her last Christmas as the youngest but she won't see it that way and next year the baby will be so small that he or she won't be playing or actively joining in so in many ways she has next year too.

If she wants a younger sibling then this would be a happy Christmas gift for her.

Oooh yes, go down the extra special present route later today when everything's a little bit quiet and all the excitement of the presents has died down.
Have you got time to knock together a little card for her? You could just pop a scan picture in if you have a spare/a photocopier.

I still remember being told I was going to be a sister as there's quite a big age gap. It was the day before a big family party and although I'm sure my aunts already knew, I was so so excited to get to tell them!

Yup, extra special present from me too. There's a distinct possibility that next door might be getting theirs today, she was due 5 days ago.

Yes it would be nice for her to be the one to break the news!

Stayinyourfridge, that's a lovely way to think of it, that it's a day for family so family news fits today.

Thanks for the input everyone, it is helping me see dw's pov more now.

Congratulations! I agree with PPs, let her have her Xmas day, then tell her this evening when everything’s calm and you’re having a snuggle before bed.

I agree with custard, telling her tonight would be a lovely end to the day and then you can get her involved in telling the rest of the family tomorrow.

Because it's always nice to get an update - we told her and she's over the moon!

Thanks everyone for the push.

So glad it went so well - best Christmas present ever