To ask my dad not to be Father Christmas this year?

[MadStaringEyes]

My dad usually plays Father Christmas at the local primary school. Ds1 is starting at the nursery attached to the school and should be receiving a visit from Father Christmas.

The PTA sent him an email asking him to confirm he'd do it, he's undecided because Ds1 will be there, and as a 3yo, very likely to shout out 'That's my granda!'.

I really don't want him to ruin it for his whole class. My dad doesn't want to let them down, but wouldn't it be better to find a new Father Christmas than ruin it for a class of children?

And yes I am aware talk of Christmas should not happen un August.

I think most Nursery kids are aware that the Father Christmas in schools, shopping malls and elsewhere aren't the real guy.

As long as your Dad makes the nursery aware that your DS could shout out, I don't see a problem really.

You could try the old "everyone in the world has a doppelganger" conversation

How will he know? Won't your dad be dressed up, full beard etc? Is a 3 yr old likely to recognise him in the costume?

Unless he already has the beard, of course

If there's any chance at all that he would recognise him then I'd agree. Have someone else do it.

He'd recognise him. He recognises him on photos from 20+ years ago, and according to Ds1 they are bestest ever friends.

I think if your DS will recognise him, then it could ruin it for all the other DCs, so ask him not to do it this year, they'll be someone else they can find, it's not like he'll be turning htem down in December, they've got time to find another 'man of certain age' who'll do it.

Do 3 yr olds not think it's the real santa worra? I thought they did but I don't know, cos I didn't have your typical kids so it was all very different

Have a word with the school and your dad, express your concerns.

It's up to your dad if he still wants to do it, but that way at least you outlined what might happen.

Ds1 thinks its the real Father Christmas, or Farmer Kisssma

I'll speak to the school on Ds1's first day and let them know.

I was right, aim being all pfb.

Our nursery found a different santa when the regular one's DS was at the nursery. Much safer!!!!

It's never too early to talk about Christmas!

I wouldn't think a 3 year old would recognise him when he's hidden behind a beard. Even if he does, couldn't your Dad just deny it and say "How funny, he must look and sound like me, you need to tell him when you see him on Sunday"

I think it would be fine for a young child, but understand your concern

My dad did it for the playgroup party when dbro was 3 or 4 and he didn't notice

He'd recognise him. He recognises him on photos from 20+ years ago, and according to Ds1 they are bestest ever friends.

aww [sappy old sod emoticon]

hubby dressed up as Thomson the dog when dds were about 5 and 7 ( piss myself just thinking about it). DD1 came out of the party and told us that Thomson had the same watch as Daddy!

My dh is a large man with a full white beard and rosy cheeks.We were once in a motorway service station just before Christmas and a small boy was pointing to dh and whispering to his parents.
Finally his dad exchanged a look with dh who nodded and they brought the boy over.He said,"You are really real!!"Dh replied "Of course I am" The little lad was so happy and his parents sent two coffees over for us!

Might also give the game away that my dad has a very distinctive accent. My parents are the only people in the village with this accent.

They are lovely together, especially when they're DIYing.

My dad dresses as Santa for the village party when I was 4, I recognised him and was screaming out "that's my daddy" get off his knee! I only recognised him because of his shoes.

Aww, thats lovely thegreylady