To let ds open a couple of presents on Christmas Eve?

[Onelittlebugbear]

Dh says I am.

However my main motivation is that I cook a big christmas lunch on Christmas Eve (we go out on the actual day) so am busy and cannot entertain ds. Dh is unlikely to either as he has been ill with a chest infection and hasn't actually been out of bed for two days.

If I let ds open a couple of smallish gifts (I'm thinking some new stickers and a set of small dinosaurs) it might buy me some time to get the house straight and cook. Ds is 4 btw and usually entertains himself for a maximum of three minutes before following me around bleating 'mommy mommy mommy' on loop.

Hell no!

I know there's a nasty bug going round (I've had it and my normally adamantine constitution has been knocked sideways), but if your DH isn't going to chip in and help, he can butt out.

Do what you like, whatever works for you :)

I don't think that sounds unreasonable at all - it sounds very sensible.

If dh doesn't want him to, they he'll just have to do his share and play with ds. Or watch a film together.

YANBU, its no different than the Christmas eve hamper idea. I give my DC presents on Christmas eve in their named bags (usually PJs, a small toy and a small amount of sweets, plus the key for santa to get in) and say Mrs Claus dropped them off for them to keep them busy whilst they wait for santa.
I can't see a big difference between that and what you suggest.

You are possibly not being unreasonable. But remember that whatever you do this year, he'll expect next year as well, so I would say only start it if you want to make it into a bit of a tradition.

I don't think he will particularly remember as he's only 4. Wouldn't normally do it but just need some time! My house is a tip! Dh was going to take ds out to mil today so I could tidy but he can't go and can't see him doing much tomorrow either.

Argh!

Why don't You just give him the things with no mention that they're anything to do with Christmas?