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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Would it be completely crazy to give the DCs their main present today?

166 replies

ChaChaChaCh4nges · 20/12/2016 06:24

Three DCs, aged 9, 6 and 5.

DC1 is poorly. He has a nasty cough, fever, blocked up nose, sore throat, etc. Was up half the night, despite Calpol.

We were stuck in yesterday, we're going to be stuck in today. DCs 2 and 3 are bored and bickery, DC1 is ill, bored and bickery.

Their Christmas presents from me are Kindle Fires. I was always planning to give them to the DCs on Christmas Eve - partly because we have a long car journey to my parent's house, partly because they'll still have their stockings with me first thing on Christmas morning, and partly because they'll be with their dad on Christmas Day from 10am where they'll get loads more presents.

I'm now thinking of bringing it forward to today. It would keep them all occupied, and it would also mean I could make sure they're loaded with exactly the games and videos they want.

Downside is that it's not traditional, but I actually can't see any other significant issue.

What would you do?

OP posts:

Temporaryname137 · 20/12/2016 06:57

I wouldn't. They're so little for such a short period of time, why take away the magic of Christmas Day and have them staring at individual screens all day, even if they are poorly? If it were me, I would have one massive family duvet day, with Christmas films and treats.

CaptainCabinet · 20/12/2016 06:57

Children get overwhelmed with presents at Christmas. Illness and tiredness have laid the family low. This gives you and them a chance to enjoy the gifts before the next wave.

I don't at all get the impression that this is rewarding bad behaviour (the family is ill and tired), nor that this is about competing with your ex.

Merry Christmas

Original poster

ChaChaChaCh4nges · 20/12/2016 06:58

It sounds like you just want a way to keep them occupied and are finding flimsy excuses....

Yes, I absolutely do want to find a way to keep them occupied! There is literally nothing left to make. My craft box is empty.

OP posts:

ChestnutsRoastingOnAnOpenFire · 20/12/2016 06:59

No way! Rewarding them for bickering and taking away the magic of Christmas anticipation.

Satisfactorylemon · 20/12/2016 06:59

Its up to you.
I wouldn't because it would be an anti climax.

Original poster

ChaChaChaCh4nges · 20/12/2016 07:01

They get pulled up for bickering every single time. But it's miserable for all of us when the younger two in particular keep getting told off. It's not their fault that we're all stuck indoors.

OP posts:

GinIsIn · 20/12/2016 07:04

No, I wouldn't. 5 & 6 are pretty young. Are you sure they'd a. Get and b. Not be upset by the fact there's nothing else from you on Christmas itself? My niece is 5 and I know she'd think we were joking and be expecting a surprise on Christmas Day.

1horatio · 20/12/2016 07:04

Why not?

If they would get a present that's from you and not from Santa anyway?

Just tell them that this is actually one of their Christmas presents but that they'll get it in advance.

Why not? Christmas is so full of presents that many children in my family can't even really appreciate them separately.

And giving them something nice whilst they're sick is a great idea. If I were you I'd certainly do that.

StillStayingClassySanDiego · 20/12/2016 07:08

I wouldn't do it just because it would feel a bit weird giving them their present now, possibly regretting it later then it's too late.

neonrainbow · 20/12/2016 07:08

Id give them the kindles. They're not going to be any less excited on Christmas and this way they all get to play with them before more presents arrive at the weekend. It's not as if they'll get up on xmas and have nothing to open, sounds like they've got some good presents in their stockings anyway.

Original poster

ChaChaChaCh4nges · 20/12/2016 07:09

Not be upset by the fact there's nothing else from you on Christmas itself?

We've spoken at length about how they're only getting one present from me, but it's a big one. They know that money is being watched carefully. And yes I'm very confident that they understand about it being early - even the five year old.

OP posts:

1horatio · 20/12/2016 07:09

Oh, and last year I gave my little sister a plane ticket to the U.K. and a voucher for doing touristy stuff together.

So, she basically got her present after Christmas.

Sure, she is quite a bit older than your sons, but still. It doesn't have to be on Christmas.

However, I would only give this to them if you knew that they'll understand that this is a Christmas gift and that you won't be giving them an other one...

1horatio · 20/12/2016 07:11

Absolutely. I certainly agree with that.

neonrainbow · 20/12/2016 07:11

But you said they've got stockings with lego and stuff so they have got more stuff to open. If it will cheer them up then if just give them the kindles. Sounds like you've had a bad couple of days and they're going to get the kindles in a few days anyway.

Alorsmum · 20/12/2016 07:13

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

casualbikeride · 20/12/2016 07:14

I do the same! Christmas Eve presents from me then Santa presents Christmas Day that their dad also contributes to!

I put together their Christmas Eve presents last night and am not sure I can wait until Saturday!

I think they get very caught up in 'santa' so I like giving them something that they know is just from me. (I don't want Santa taking all the credit!!)

timeforabrewnow · 20/12/2016 07:15

Nooooo

Don't do it

heron98 · 20/12/2016 07:15

No way! What about delayed gratification? I would give them real books to read or games or something. Don't give them their present early.

JellyBellies · 20/12/2016 07:15

Go for it! I'm not sure why you are trying to justify your decision to a bunch of stranger like anyway.

I think it will start the Christmas magic early

RueDeDay · 20/12/2016 07:16

We did this when DSD was about 5. Her main present was a sledge. There was a snow dump a few days before Xmas, with the absolute certainty that it would have gone by the day. So Santa did a special delivery, with a note explaining why. It was fantastic, she had a wonderful time sledging all over the garden, no issues cropped up because of it. Would do it again in a heartbeat.

NiceFalafels · 20/12/2016 07:17

Yes you could wrap them up and take them for a walk or do other activities with them.

BUT seeing as you don't have xmas day with them, it might be nice to see them enjoying their gifts.

We have occasionally spread the gift giving over the entire holidays and it meant that the kids played properly with each item as they received them. Rather then on xmas day being overwhelmed

Original poster

ChaChaChaCh4nges · 20/12/2016 07:19

What about delayed gratification?

Either they're too young to appreciate that Christmas is just an arbitrary day, in which case delayed gratification is a meaningless concept to them, or they're not. And if they're not too young then they're mature enough to understand why the gifts are coming early. You can't have it both ways.

Although, that said, the poorly 9 year old has perked up a little for being up. I'm going to wait a little longer before making a decision.

OP posts:

1horatio · 20/12/2016 07:20

Rue

Aww! So adorable.

As for 'delayed gratification'... they're 5 and sick. So, maybe not the right time? Idk.

NiceFalafels · 20/12/2016 07:20

Santa still brings a stocking of handy things still xmas day and we still have a reasonable amount to open xmas day Xx

Grescille · 20/12/2016 07:21

I know I'd regret it if I did it.

There is something amiss with kids getting kindle fires and I pads before Xmas day because they'll have so much other stuff on the day.

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