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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Christmas is ruined!

213 replies

Mollmoo · 23/12/2016 12:46

For Christmas my 2 year old is having a Peppa Pig scooter. Last night I asked DH to put it together, which he did. Excellent. Feeling very smug and organised. I hid the scooter away and thought he'd put the box out in the bin but he put it in the utility room. I didn't realise this and just went out there, followed by my 4 year old. Immediately she spots the box and starts asking about it and wanting to look at it. I told her it was nothing and ushered her out the room, she kept trying to get back in so I ended up getting really cross and sent her to her room. Yes I know not exactly top parenting by me, but I panicked!
She's really inquisitive and remembers everything! I just know as soon as her sister unwraps the scooter she's going to make a comment about that being what she saw. I'm absolutely devastated and feel like at 4 when it should be the most magical it's ruined for her.
DH is now in a strop as I asked him why on earth he left it there on full display.
Merry flipping Christmas Sad

OP posts:
Lovemusic33 · 23/12/2016 16:12

I wish I was having your Christmas, a child spotting a present is nothing compared to what some are going through, I for one will be having a seriously shit Christmas. Found out my partner had been cheating a few days ago, my cat has cancer and a family member has been sectioned Sad
I'm sure your dd won't say much, she will be too busy opening her own gifts to care about what her sister has got, I'm sure your Christmas won't be ruined and you will have a lovely day Smile

gillybeanz · 23/12/2016 16:29

Tell them anything at this age and they'll believe it.
No need for all the drama, honestly. Think of your blood pressure.
If she mentions it xmas day have an answer ready, if every time we had near misses like this Christmas was ruined then every year would have been.

CotswoldStrife · 23/12/2016 16:31

OP, I doubt Christmas is ruined - say it was wrapping paper or something, rip the box up and just leave a picture with PP on (or find some PP wrapping paper for your own presents quickly Xmas Grin )

No, it is not a biggie really but when you are dashing around trying to sort out presents and food sometimes the little things tip you over the edge. Apologise for shouting and have a fun night together.

I can sympathise with those facing a less-cheerful-than-usual Christmas (I also have a relative finishing chemo hopefully!) no need to take it out on the OP though. Stress comes in many forms!

WaitroseCoffeeCostaCup · 23/12/2016 17:00

I don't understand...some people have ALL the presents from Father Christmas? And don't give their children presents from themselves?

HoHoHammered · 23/12/2016 17:08

We do it as, the presents are from us but Santa delivers them

DeleteOrDecay · 23/12/2016 17:20

That's what we do HoHo, Santa delivers them all but they are all from us/relatives except for one which is 'from Santa'.

Lynnm63 · 23/12/2016 17:32

No your Christmas isn't ruined. I was gravely ill and my DC were brought to see me in ICU as I was expected to die that day. Even that didn't ruin their Christmas.

daisypond · 23/12/2016 17:35

When I was a child, it was just the stockings that were from Santa - obviously - as the things in it had to be small enough for him to carry/get down the chimney. Bigger presents (under the tree, or on a chair) were from parents, grandparents, etc. It's what I did with my children, too, when they were little. Wouldn't it be odd if children didn't get any presents from their parents? I thought everyone did this!

RachelRagged · 23/12/2016 17:48

Mrs Terry Pratchet

Thank You . . Your post was touching . Lost a much loved Auntie two weeks ago almost but she is with her loved ones now , which she wanted .

To everyone bereaved this Christmas or past ones Flowers and I understand, its hard especially this time of year .

OP , Chill . That is all.

LittleLionMansMummy · 23/12/2016 18:33

In our house Santa brings one biggish present for under the tree and the stocking fillers. All other presents are from us and relatives so that ds knows who to thank for them. Also saves any angst about accidental discovery of a present v belief in Santa.

MrsTerryPratchett · 23/12/2016 18:41

(((Rachel)))

Original poster
Mollmoo · 23/12/2016 19:44

Ok then. Wow, that escalated quickly!
Yes I may be melodramatic and over react. I blame my Spanish grandfather! Wink I also may not have explained myself very well. I was cross with myself for panicking and not being able to come up with a lie on the spot and for making it into a much bigger deal than I needed to. Had I been able to come up with something quickly it would have been instantly forgotten. I was also frustrated that I've been working my arse off for the last 4 months saving, planning and hiding away gifts. I've wrapped and hidden everything else. DH did 1 thing and managed to make an arse of that. I have such happy memories of Christmas and firmly believe that for young children it's all about the magic and that goes too fast. The thought of her becoming suspicious at such a young age is a very sad thought. I probably am putting myself under too much pressure to try to make it "perfect" but it's my life and if I want Christmas to be magical and special after what's been a pretty rubbish year, that's my choice.
Again I should have explained better, I probably should have said "Will the magic of Christmas be ruined?". I'm not after sympathy I was just hoping to get some words of wisdom or helpful suggestions for how to explain it from those who have been in similar situations. Thank you to those who have given advice. I genuinely really appreciate it. I think I'll wrap it in the wrapping paper I've been using for friends and family presents and do the same with one of hers. Then if she does question it I'll say it's from me and DH.
I work for a homelessness charity, so I am well aware that there are people a lot worse off than me. I have also lost friends and family members this year and a good friend is facing her first Christmas without her son. I also know people in hospital and who are potentially terminally ill. So, yes I am incredibly lucky to have a roof over my head and a loving and healthy family. I really don't need to be preached to about that, thank you very much. That wasn't the point I was trying to make. I was always raised to believe that if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all...

OP posts:
DoosyFartlek · 23/12/2016 19:50

My kids have one small stocking from santa and the rest are from us, friends or relatives. It's utterly magical and I don't understand why santa would need to bring everything anyway

susieqoo · 23/12/2016 19:50

Have the happiest Christmas OP. I'm sad that you feel you have to explain yourself given some of the responses on here. I'm sure no-one must genuinely think you'd find your present 'mishap' more catastrophic than a death or illness. I guess emotions can run high at Xmas and sometimes wording is open to interpretation and can be dependent on the reader's mood. Anyway, happy Christmas everyone on MN.

Original poster
Mollmoo · 23/12/2016 19:51

If that's come across as a bit harsh I apologise. I really didn't expect so many responses and so much hostility.
My condolences to those who are ill or who have lost loved ones and for any perceived insensitivity. I apologise, that wasn't my intention. I was tired, annoyed and venting.
Thank you again for those of you who took the time to make helpful comments.

OP posts:
HolidaySpiritsReinbeerAndWhine · 23/12/2016 19:56

DH did 1 thing and managed to make an arse of that

I was always raised to believe that if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all.

I suggest you follow what you were 'raised' to do. You still don't seem to get that no 'magic' will be ruined from this, both your children will have forgotten about this Christmas by New Year! The only thing that will ruin the 'magic' of Christmas is you being cross about something that doesn't matter. Things only become a big deal if you make them so. Xmas isn't the 'be all and end all', even for children.

susieqoo · 23/12/2016 20:02

What's the phrase...Peace on earth and goodwill to all men or something?Smile HAPPY CHRISTMAS OP. Hope this thread hasn't got you downFlowers

TheCatsWhiskers · 23/12/2016 20:13

I'm sorry if my post seemed harsh, it's just that I wanted to put it in context that this won't ruin your Christmas and you should make the most of what you have here and now.

I shouldn't have been so patronising.

I hope you and your family have a lovely Christmas Mollymoo

TheCatsWhiskers · 23/12/2016 20:14

Oh dear, Mollmoo even Blush

Original poster
Mollmoo · 23/12/2016 20:20

Thank you susieqoo, to be honest it actually has. I just wanted to "talk" about it and vent, and hopefully get some helpful advice. Which from some I have. But others are being quite intentionally nasty and I'm a bit shocked
No, I really don't think my little problem compares with death, illness and all the terrible things going on in the world. It was meant to be quite lighthearted. Again I apologise for any upset and my heart does go out to those of you who are going through something serious.
Merry Christmas to you to.

OP posts:
Nicknameofawesome · 23/12/2016 20:22

In our house santa only brings the stockings as mum and dad work their bloody arses off all year to buy gifts and don't want me Claus taking all the credit.
Try not to worry, can you not just say this was a gift from you and santa bring something else?

This ^

StarUtopia · 23/12/2016 20:23

In our house santa only brings the stockings as mum and dad work their bloody arses off all year to buy gifts and don't want me Claus taking all the credit.
This ^^

I REALLY do not understand why some people claim that everything comes from Santa? What, so Santa likes rich kids more??! Seriously not on for those who don't have the money.

Santa brings a small pile of tat (generally)

Mum and Dad bring the 'proper' presents.

Original poster
Mollmoo · 23/12/2016 20:27

catswhiskers I'm very sorry for your loss. I hope you have a good Christmas despite loosing your dad. Don't worry, yours was one of the "nicer" replies. I didn't explain myself very well and online it's easy to read something differently to how it's intended, I understand. x

OP posts:
Original poster
Mollmoo · 23/12/2016 20:29

holidayspirits I was just trying to explain the situation not slag him off or call him names...

OP posts:
LyingWitchInTheWardrobe2726 · 23/12/2016 20:37

Mollmoo, you really, really do not have to explain yourself. This was your thread, you were the original poster of it and others came in much later to post. You weren't to know and you're not to blame for any of the way this thread has turned.

This hasn't happened on any other thread that I can see and those threads are about non-emergency issues as well, with no snarky or attacking comments. You were just unlucky.

Take no notice now, it was good of you to post back. I'm not sure that I would have bothered.