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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be disappointed that DDs school doesn't break up until 23 December

46 replies

Owlelf · 17/12/2011 20:12

DD is in reception. Her term ends after school this Friday 23 December.

I am disappointed that her two week holiday will be after Christmas rather than having any time off before Christmas. I would live for us to be doing some lovely stuff together during the build up to Christmas next week.

I know she will still have 2 weeks off after Christmas but the time before Christmas feels more special somehow.

I work part time and will have done extra time off during the two week holiday.

I can't understand why our school (or maybe it is dictated by the county) have made this term long. Our school seemed to be one of the first to go back after the summer too (31 August). So this term will end up being far longer than the subsistent two.

DD has really enjoyed her first term but is shattered.

Maybe I am missing something, all this school lark is new to me, but from where I am standing it seems bizarre not to have ended this term earlier.

AIBU?

AIBU to wish

OP posts:
Original poster
Owlelf · 17/12/2011 20:16

Sorry for the typos (cant seem to scroll back up message box in mobile site). Should be: love (not live) for us, and some (not done) extra time.

Also please ignore random AIBU at the end if my post!! Sorry.

OP posts:
habbibu · 17/12/2011 20:17

dd is in P1 (same as reception) and finishes 23rd too - went to school 18 Aug! But it's kind of cool - granny and grandad arrive Christmas eve, and she's all bubbling over with excitement, but I still get to get some things done (2 yo ds permitting). I think there are pros and cons to any holiday pattern - this just seems to suit us better than you, I'm afraid.

TurkeyBurgerThing · 17/12/2011 20:17

Ours are the same. I can see your point so would say YANBU...but I'm kind of glad because it'll give me so much of a chance to get things ready child free!

joanofarchitrave · 17/12/2011 20:17

Blimey. Are you in Leicestershire?

TBH if you think she's too tired to cope with school, take her out, at least for some of the days. She won't be the only one.

squeakytoy · 17/12/2011 20:18

Most people are working until 23rd, so it makes sense for term to end on that date, although a lot of schools round here finished yesterday.

I would think most parents would be glad to have longer time to themselves to get all the xmas prep done though.

hellhasnofury · 17/12/2011 20:19

That does seem really late, we broke up on Friday as did most of the schools in our county. I know our local authority set our term dates plus three of the five training days, not sure if all counties do though.

rhondajean · 17/12/2011 20:20

Im in Scotland and all our schools are in for another week.

To be honest, Im glad, I finish up work on Monday so Ive got time to spend with DH, to do baking (kids will help at night but some things need done alone!) to get my hair done and house in order etc, then on Christmas Eve I have the whole day to spend with them.

Does that seem mean of me?

Kbear · 17/12/2011 20:21

Nooooo the week before Christmas is the best bit, chill out before the big day, watching Christmas movies, baking, making and doing. I would be disappointed if they didn't break up at least a few days before that. Our broke up on 16th.

nojustificationneeded · 17/12/2011 20:21

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

habbibu · 17/12/2011 20:21

Oh, man - hair! (adds to list)

habbibu · 17/12/2011 20:23

I'd probably be sadder if ds was older, but as it is, "making" is Very Hard Work with him wanting to do what dd does, so for this year i'm grateful.

zukiecat · 17/12/2011 20:23

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

GoingForGoalWeight · 17/12/2011 20:23

I'm envious - our schools broke up yesterday.

poorbuthappy · 17/12/2011 20:24

All kids plus dh (who teaches in different authority) broke up yesterday.
For the first time ever they break up and go back on the same day. Makes my life a lot easier!

AlfalfaMum · 17/12/2011 20:24

Mine all break up on the 22nd this year, last year I think it was the 23rd though. To be honest I don't know what I'd do with them if they had the whole pre-Christmas week off - I have to work (albeit part-time) and so does DH.

AlfalfaMum · 17/12/2011 20:27

Also, imagine trying to do the last minute gift shopping and the Christmas food shop with 3 kids (inclusing one with autism that hates shops) in tow

rhondajean · 17/12/2011 20:31

Zukie I used to live in Aberdeenshire - moved up from central Scotland - first time I heard the term "tattie holidays" was totally baffled!

Miss it now Im back down here. Happy days.

mankyscotslass · 17/12/2011 20:36

I'm in Tameside, and our school breaks up next Thursday.

This is the longest term and is always a slog for the kids. Spring and Summer terms fly by.

I'll get all my last minute stuff next week without them under my feet, and school gets the full benefit of the over excited kids, not me. Xmas Smile

Original poster
Owlelf · 17/12/2011 20:40

joano yes, that is our county. I think most schools around here break up on 22nd and have an inset day in 23. However, our school is not having an inset day, hence the extra day at school.

I am grateful to everyone who has pointed out how this arrangement might work well for some people. At least I can see some logic in it now.

However, DP and I don't have the type of jobs which give the two weeks (ish) off over the Christmas period. I guess if we did this arrangement would be more convenient.

In my case I have missed having DD around during the week now that she has started school. So we were looking forward to doing some Christmas build up type stuff together, which we haven't got much time to do. I guess I am bring rather PFB!!!

Plus she is so weary that I just want to wrap her in a blanket and let her take it easy- rather than being at school. We have had such a lovely relaxed day today and I am sad that she has to go to school on Monday.

She knows nothing of this BTW. On monday morning I will be busily telling her all about the fab stuff that she will be doing at school this week.

OP posts:
GoldFrankincenseAndTwiglets · 17/12/2011 20:42

I would feel exactly the same as you, OP. In fact I think I'd not send the kids in for the last few days of school! Just make a point to do lots of lovely Christmassy things once school is finished for the day. Assuming you're home by 4pm that should still give you two hours? Could you have a dinner of Christmas biscuits, mince pies etc. that you make when you get home from school? Or walk around and look at Christmas lights on the way home from school? Go straight to the cinema to watch a Christmassy film?

AlfalfaMum · 17/12/2011 20:47

Oh Owlelf, I can understand your disappointment now. Can you perhaps let her have a day off if her attendance has been good this term, or even just collect her early one day and do some Christmassy things?

Waswondering · 17/12/2011 21:10

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

RainboweBrite · 17/12/2011 21:22

It's a bit late, but wouldn't you prefer that to the 19th, when my DS breaks up? How silly having them in for 1 day, imo. However, I am going to make the best of it and try to get the Christmas food shop done, so I will just need to get the more perishable items later in the week when DS is in tow. If it were up to me, I think the 21st. or 22nd are the best dates to break up.

ZeldaUpNorth · 17/12/2011 21:35

My dd's broke up yesterday (16th) and dont go back until 5th, so almost 3 weeks off. Think I would have preferred them breaking up on Wednesday (21st) as they are going to be a nightmare this week.

scottishmummy · 17/12/2011 21:42

22 Dec suits me,as I'm working
and nursery finish up half day 23 Dec
so earlier wouldn't be convenient.