To be clear, I don’t want to leave this little lad out (nor does DS - they’re good mates) but we have to, due to his parents’ request.
So it’s more of a “how do I handle this?”
I wasn’t going to worry about Christmas cards this year (we did them last year - one for each child in his room).
But today I ended up cutting up cardboard, setting up paints, stamps etc and helped him make cards... He’s been home sick - quite lethargic, but well enough to need occupying.
We now have 21 Christmas cards, lovingly handcrafted and ready to go!
Only now do I remember about this little lad. And wish I thought of something else to keep DS occupied!
Last year, DS loved handing out the cards and the kids were excited to get them. After they all ran off, one of the Mums said “Sorry - we don’t celebrate Christmas” and handed her son’s card back to me (very politely and privately).
I think I said “Oh sorry!” or something inane, and tucked the card into my handbag. It was slightly awkward but all very polite, I soon forgot all about it.
Anyway - a year later, I’ve used it as a teaching moment and explained to my son about different religions and customs.
(my Mum did the same for me, I’d chosen the “Hail Mary” and she said matter-of-factly “oh some of the girls are Protestant and they don’t pray to Mary, choose another prayer!”
My son is fine with the religion discussion but says “Billy” “will be sad if I give a card to everyone but not to him!”
If Billy was a confident, bolshie little boy it would be easier. But he seems a very sensitive little soul. He was overjoyed to be invited to my son’s birthday party because he doesn’t tend to get invited to things often.
I once watched a little girl handing out invites and Billy was beaming, waiting for his. And when he didn’t get one his face... just crumpled and his eyes filled with tears. I just wanted to pick him up and give him the biggest cuddle!
TL;DR - how should my son hand out 20 cards without being mean to the one child he can not give one to?
Are there any non-Christmas celebrators who would be comfortable saying what you would want done?
PS. If I’d remembered earlier, I would have got him to make cards for people outside nursery.
PPS. They don’t have book bags.