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Original poster

Can't face getting a christmas tree this year

34 replies

Ella15 · 07/12/2021 19:04

Anyone else? Trying to convince my 9 yr old that we could just do a load of fairy lights/other decs and they're just not buying it. This is the first year ever I won't have got one. Was anyone scarred by not having a tree when they were a kid? It's just such a symbol of Christmas but surely one year off isn't going to send them to therapy?

OP posts:

Jacaranda75 · 07/12/2021 19:05

Just get a cheap one. Things like this are important to kids.

Rockbird · 07/12/2021 19:07

Unless you're going to disclose a terribly stressful situation then yes I think it's mean not to get a tree for your child.

Rockbird · 07/12/2021 19:07

Sorry, I assumed a daughter for some reason!

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takeasadsongandmakeitbetter · 07/12/2021 19:07

As above ...
Get a tree

0blio · 07/12/2021 19:10

As a child I would have been upset not to have a tree. Can you get a little one that he/she could decorate themselves, even with home made decorations, paper chains etc? They'd enjoy and remember that fondly I'm sure.

MamaWeasel · 07/12/2021 19:10

Definitely get a tree

Nikita1709 · 07/12/2021 19:10

I’m with @Jacaranda75 on this one. It’s part of the excitement for kids (and grown adults like me too).

loudbatperson · 07/12/2021 19:11

Can you share what it is about getting a tree you cannot face?

Obviously not if it is too personal, however it may help us to understand your reasons and give more meaningful replies.

MarmitesMyMate · 07/12/2021 19:12

If remember it. Just like I remeber when I was 9 not having my stocking fillers wrapped it felt ..different and I always remember it.

skgnome · 07/12/2021 19:14

I was thinking as you… then I realised putting lights in windows and some decorations to make it look Christmas-y would be more work than a quickly put up tree
Tree, fairy lights, tinsel and a couple of boxes of baubles did the trick, took me an hour, and that included bringing stuff from the attic, moving furniture and cleaning after
Just get a small tree put lights and leave the decor to the 9yo

EnidFrighten · 07/12/2021 19:14

Order a fake one to your house. With in built lights. It will take two seconds to put up. Let you child do the baubles. Keep as a second tree for future years or for when you can't be arsed.

LittleOverWhelmed · 07/12/2021 19:19

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at the poster's request.

Bluntness100 · 07/12/2021 19:20

Why can’t you face it? What’s wrong?

And yes, for your kid it’s worth doing it. The issue is why you can’t face it or wish to do it for them?

Stompythedinosaur · 07/12/2021 19:24

Yes I think you need to have a tree for a dc if you possibly can.

If you really can't afford it then that is clearly not unreasonable, but don't not get one because you can't be bothered.

Original poster

Ella15 · 07/12/2021 19:31

Thank you wise mumsnetters. Looks like I really should go to the effort. And you're so astute! A close family bereavement a few months ago and just can't sum up the energy for it. Will do all the presents, dinner etc but the tree just feels like this big obstacle this year. BUT I will sort myself out and order one. I talked about getting one of those small 3 ft ones but my kid said we can't have the pile of pressies bigger than the tree! I mean !

OP posts:

Atla · 07/12/2021 21:09

I think you need to get a tree for your dc - where I live supermarkets are selling little trees in pots, it doesn't have to be a huge one. Or, as someone else suggested buy a small pre-lit one and let dc decorate it?

HarrisMcCoo · 07/12/2021 21:14

I got a cheap 4ft one out of Argos a while ago. Does the job. Took five minutes to decorate for the DC.

ChocolateRiver · 07/12/2021 21:14

Get a prelit fake one delivered. It’ll be much easier then buying and sorting out a real one.

maxbabi · 07/12/2021 21:16

I didn't do a tree one year bloody liberating.

OneEpisode · 07/12/2021 21:17

You can put a small one on a table and the pressies can go under the table!

BarbaraLoganPrice · 07/12/2021 21:23

Can you get a tree and some non-fragile baubles and tinsel and let them decorate it? Will be fun for them and you don't need to be quite so involved.

for you, there is a lot of pressure to feel festive and go all-out but as adults life gets in the way sometimes. Do what you can for the DC but be kind to yourself too.

MrsXx4 · 07/12/2021 21:27

Sorry OP I agree you should get a tree for your child. My baby passed away 4 months ago and we’ve got our tree up and decorated because we have another child who needs us to keep with the traditions and the magic of Christmas. We can’t be bothered either and it’s upsetting having the tree up but we are doing it for the little one.

This isn’t meant to be a guilt tripping post by the way but I don’t know how else to word it, it’s more that I understand where you’re coming from and the effort it takes to do these things when grieving. Xx

Needspace21 · 07/12/2021 21:29

www.hobbycraft.co.uk/decorative-white-twig-tree-76cm/578797-1000?query=Xmas%20branch

I just have one of these with fairy lights and a few tiny acorn baubles. Don't have the space or desire for anything bigger.

Nongatron · 07/12/2021 21:33

Mrs Xx4 I’m so sorry that must be so hard

Thefuturestory · 07/12/2021 21:35

Grief and Christmas approaching is such shitstorm of emotions isn’t it.

I lost my best friend a few months ago. I’ve gone the opposite of my normal this year and decs are up and been full on this year.

My children need it and they’ve not had the best version of their mother. It’s how my friend would have wanted it but I’ve no idea how I’ll be closer to the time so I got it done whilst I could.

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