To not let him go?

[Takamine]

DS has been invited to a cinema party next week - to see a film that we have arranged with family to go and see in the Christmas holidays. He's 7. I don't want him to go as I feel it will take the shine off our Christmas treat ....

Would IBU to retract his party acceptance?

Totally U to make him miss out on a treat now because you want to see the film with him in 2 months time.

Selfish.

I probably should have added we have two other DC - I wasn't worried about him dishing out spoilers to me throughout, but to the other DC!

You never mentioned spoilers 🙄
The other kids won't care they will just be excited to see the film. Or a different film if Paddington isn't still on.
Are you going to let him go?

Today 08:12 Takamine

Also - he's the kid that will chatter all the way through ... "watch this bit! This is where...." etc 😬

Yes, I am. As I said, I obviously need to get myself in check

It’ll still be shiny at Christmas. It’s not the film that shines (although I think it will be lovely), it’s the family trip to the cinema and all the excitement that goes with it.
DS will feel extra special because he’s already in on what’s in store and now he gets to share it with his family.

I’d let him go, I can understand you’re trying to be all things to all people though and I can understand the stress of that and you’re just trying to do what’s right by everyone to create a nice Christmas.

@SilverSpot don’t you sound like a lovely person

Thanks for understanding overnightangel

You never mentioned spoilers

Yes she did.

Christmas can be just as special if not more so with a tight budget. I always found that I was more creative when I had less money. Kids enjoy making decorations, helping make Christmas cake, making presents for family etc. One of the best received presents my kids ever did was making home made biscuits and mince pies and putting them in little Santa sacs the kids made out of red felt. We put little extra things in with them. Cost a few pounds and all the grandmas & granddads, Aunties and Uncles really really appreciated the time and effort put into them. They still mention them every now and then.

Micro managing Christmas is dangerous ground

Why put so much importance on one day/event? Spread it out through the year

DS will feel extra special because he’s already in on what’s in store and now he gets to share it with his family.