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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be unhappy with this school trip?

487 replies

IWannaHoldYourHand · 30/09/2015 22:29

Ds2 is in reception and has come home with a letter advising us of a school trip to a farm in December. The cost is a reasonable amount for the farm that will be visited, however the main focus of the visit is having lunch with Santa, and receiving a gift.

It is the visiting Santa that I feel odd about. I see this as a very family based event, and not something I would expect to do with anybody else, or without his sibling. We wouldn't even refer to him as Santa at home, and it just feels strange to me.

I have spoken to the head who informed me that this will be backing up their learning for that term, and advised that I have the option of attending, but it still feels wrong to me. So is this normal, do schools regularly take a trip to visit Father Christmas?

OP posts:
hairbrushbedhair · 30/09/2015 22:47

Was there a reason your DC1 never did any of this? Did they attend a faith school for example who may have taken issue over santa?

Why can't you refer to him as santa at home?

Only1scoop · 30/09/2015 22:48

'The head said it would be backing up their learning from this term'

Did that make you feel better?

PolShelby · 30/09/2015 22:48

YABU, we had Father Christmas visits when I was at primary school and I'm 30. I'd be upset if DD didn't get to see him! It's nice for the kids and you can always take him on a family visit at the weekend.

PatriciaHolm · 30/09/2015 22:48

I think it's pretty normal for schools to do something Santa related. We have Santa at the school disco, for example.

Did you first child not do anything similar?

Mmmmcake123 · 30/09/2015 22:50

Although your lil one is v young and I can see why you might want to keep it family special, kids cotton on very quickly to Santa representations. It doesn't ruin the magic and you should just go with the flow. Btw, I think speaking to the head about something like this could undermine the value of any serious concerns you may encounter in the future (just a friendly opinion).

TheFairyCaravan · 30/09/2015 22:51

YABU. It's common for small children to visit or be visited by Santa in the run up to Christmas.

When I worked at a pre-school on a RAF base we had Santa fly over sat on the ramp of a helicopter. We took the children outside to watch, they were bubbling with excitement as he flew by waving. Half an hour or so later he was in with us dishing out presents. That was one of the best days of my working life.

SavoyCabbage · 30/09/2015 22:52

Its perfect if you don't refer to him as Santa at home. Then seeing Santa with his friends will be separate in his mind for the grand event of seeing Father Christmas with you.

You are being very precious about it though. He will have a lovely time with his new friends.

Mmmmcake123 · 30/09/2015 22:52

I would still do the family Santa outing in addition to school trip, just leave a bit of time between

Original poster
IWannaHoldYourHand · 30/09/2015 22:53

I suppose my issue is that I didn't expect school to do something that feels so family based to me. Particularly when ds1 had non of this at the same school. When ds1 was in reception it was much more story of Christmas based.

But hey how, I'll get over it Smile

OP posts:
Bubbletree4 · 30/09/2015 22:53

All normal. My kids did this.

SouthernShepherdess · 30/09/2015 22:54

Not something I would get worked up about! My dd ends up seeing various Santa's in the run up to Christmas. Grandma will take her to see him at the local village Hall Christmas Fair, then she see's him at the school Christmas fair, then I will take her somewhere else again! She still believes in him! What is your issue??!

OwlinaTree · 30/09/2015 22:55

samcro WHAT! Shock

JohnCusacksWife · 30/09/2015 22:57

I'm just stunned that you saw fit to speak to the Head about this! Like she/he doesn't have better things to do than talk to precious parents about a lovely school trip.
Also love the sly implication that Father Christmas is somehow "naicer" than Santa!

Original poster
IWannaHoldYourHand · 30/09/2015 22:57

Ds1 attends the same school, btw. It's just that they didn't do it 2 years ago Confused

OP posts:
Original poster
IWannaHoldYourHand · 30/09/2015 22:58

I don't think Father Christmas is nicer than Santa, just that we call him FC.

OP posts:
IceCreamBandit · 30/09/2015 22:58

My DD's school does a trip to see Santa every year. It's a lovely event and all the kids really enjoy it. It's adding to the kids' fun rather than taking away from 'family Christmas.'

hairbrushbedhair · 30/09/2015 22:59

In fairness I expect they had more complaints over the christmas story than they've had over this visit

steff13 · 30/09/2015 23:03

I'm sure he'll have a great time.

I still took both DC to our regular grotto though.

You see Santa in a cave?

FarFromAnyRoad · 30/09/2015 23:04

I feel for the Head. He must have bitten a hole in his tongue trying not to burst out laughing. Or crying.
I expect the staff room had a good guffaw too.
Someone further up the thread offered you a grip. Take it!!

Bunnyjo · 30/09/2015 23:08

DS was in school nursery last year. He went on a school trip to a local farm last December and also did the whole grotto, petting/feeding reindeers and lunch with Santa thing. He absolutely loved the trip!

I cannot see what your problem is. Moreover, I am [shocked] you went to speak to the head teacher about it. Why? Why would you do that?! You will forever be known as that mum now!

Bunnyjo · 30/09/2015 23:09

Shock obviously!

BondGate · 30/09/2015 23:10

Santa visited my DC's nursery every year that they've been there.

SantasLittleMonkeyButler · 30/09/2015 23:11

Sounds great to me .

TurnOffTheTv · 30/09/2015 23:12

It sounds like you're a bit jealous. If this is something you'd rather do with your child then keep them off that day.

DisappointedOne · 30/09/2015 23:12

I wouldn't be happy either. We've not done Santa: DD(4) knows who the figure in the red outfit is, and the basics of the story, but we've never gone to see one at a grotto and we don't pretend that he visits the house. They had someone dress up as him at last year's Xmas fair and she couldn't have been less bothered about it. I get that this is somewhat unusual.

If be more concerned about what learning it is that this visit apparently supports!