Middle class families seem so much busier in the run up to Christmas

[Santasfakebeard]

The mc families in DC school seem to have something on the whole month of Dec judging by the dc's class whatsapp groups. Is it just a middle class thing? Pantos, choirs, concerts, wreath making & mulled wine family evenings, markets abroad, carol singing.
I would love my dc to experience it all but we simply don't have the funds.
Is it just the mc & umc that can afford to offer their dc those festive experiences?

I’m busy. Firmly working class. Reasons?

I’ve compartmentalised my friendship groups so have a meal out or drink with each of them. Christmas party with work and I’m still mates with my old work so might pop in for a drink.
I got a free holiday last year so I’m taking that in December.
I’ve got three kids so loads of shopping and school concerts, one of whom has a birthday so that’s a whole weekend gone.
We do a light show as a treat but I’ve saved all year.
Church is free.

so probably looks like we do a lot but I do it all on the cheap

It’s not just about the money though. This thread is about “doing stuff”. Most of my lovely MC mates have lovely displays of holly, ivy, interesting bits around their homes gathered for free. They have done this on dog walks with their numerous friends on catch ups with a pub lunch thrown in. However they also make wreaths in wreath making sessions run by other friends at £60 a pop. They are volunteering which costs nothing but are always seen to be out and about.
My friends always seem to have nice tidy houses too. I am awash with half finished present wrapping, cards, Amazon boxes, work prep, petrol receipts and washing. I’m not jealous, I’m in awe.

Totally agree with the perfect, clean houses too😭

A lots of working class people I know are busy... working.

This is the main time of year for overtime given its the most expensive month or so. Its also the busy season in most industries so time off is hard. On top of that theres a tonne of prep to do.

You must have a good childcare system in place to be going out for drinks with all these friends and work mates. You also are very lucky to get holiday time off in December.

You seem very time rich but thats a privilege many people don't have.

I'm not even talking about me BTW as I'm at this moment a SAHM so I'm lucky to be VERY time rich but I literally do not know any working friends with spare time to be 'busy' doing a host of drinks nights, holidays and party stuff right now. In fact many can't even get time off to go to their kids school plays.

@housethatbuiltme I agree that what you are busy with changes throughout the course of life. The difference is the properly MC literally don’t stop even when the opportunity presents.
Even if there’s nothing social to do, they’ll be doing something tangible. They aren’t watching TV, wasting time on their phone sat on the sofa and then going for nap just because it’s their day off and they were up late the night before (erhem).

Sounds like the answer to this question lies in people’s priorities. People who value Christmassy activities will take the time and effort to make them happen. Even if they’re not able to spend a lot on them, there are ways around that.

People who vaguely think “Oo, that looks impressive/fun, why aren’t I doing more stuff like that?” but, at the end of the day, if they look deep inside themselves, aren’t actually that bothered, will end up not doing it.

People frantically working all hours without a single spare minute are a separate category.

I have a disability. Childcare - I have a partner and mother is disabled and elderly, and lives 40 miles away 👍🏻

Yes they have miraculously full energy levels & like to be seen wherever they can hence the endless sm photos of their holiday jollies..

Private school finishes early for Christmas (this Wednesday for DS who is 15), so there's more time to fill in with activities. We're not going abroad this year but we do like getting theatre seats close to the stage, which adds to our spend.

• Ice skating (Scouts activity): free
• Twixmas parties: free
• Wreath making workshop (for me): £50
• Local Christmas light trail (for three): ~£55
• Local panto (for three): £145
• Christmas-themed afternoon tea at local hotel (for three): ~£140 estimated
• Christmas eve lunch (for three): ~£150 estimated
• London theatre - Stranger Things (for three): ~£785
• DS school ski trip: £1,500

We'll be going out for dinner with friends at various points throughout the month as well.

Edited to add: Just today a friend told me about a Ghibli film (The Boy and the Heron) coming out, so that will be going on the list.

@Greenbriar enjoy, it all sounds so festive!
That's a good point about the private schools finishing early, they have more time. I remember being in London last year & couldn't believe the amount of kids in the restaurant DH & I were in for a special Christmas lunch. Obviously they were private schooled, I had just assumed the parents took them out. Not complaining about the kids in the restaurant, they were very well behaved, just surprised they were they mid week!