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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

ParkRun on Christmas Day

59 replies

SalmonLeBon · 24/12/2018 08:44

We are going to my lovely bro and SIL for Christmas day, due to arrive around 12, which means leaving here around 11. We are staying with them for a couple of days. My MIL is coming too.

DS13 wants to do ParkRun with his godfather (lives local to us but has atrocious timekeeping!). DH has told him this is fine, loads of time to fit it all in. And has made me feel like a complete Grinch for saying there isn't time.

I think it is madness, it means him being ready to go out the door here at 0815, won't be back here until 1030 (most weekends he goes they are not back until at least 11).

We won't have space (with MIL and overnight bags) to fit presents in the car, so what do we do? Open everything by 0815? Leaving the presents for when we get home on 27th feels wrong to me, but DH reckons it is fine Hmm.

If DH takes DS, instead of godfather collecting him, he can get away promptly, but leaves me marshalling younger child, MIL, loading car etc.

He wanted to do it last year and got told no because of timing. And then it turned out there would just about have been time, but no MIL with us, so more space for stuff...

I just feel damned either way here. I either have to deal with an upset son, or suck up the extra pressure.

AIBU to say no to ParkRun. Or do I just need to relax and go with the flow? If we are late, so be it etc.

(There is a very long back story involving me being very low contact with my parents, who are also coming to my brother's tomorrow; my MIL and parents barely ever meet; therefore my stress levels are already pretty well elevated!)

OP posts:
mpsw · 24/12/2018 10:04

Ah, the military background explains much.

As part of the civilianisation process, can I remind you that 12ish in these circs does not mean 11.55?

JeezYouLoon · 24/12/2018 10:05

I'm with the definitely let him do it gang. I've been trying to get my DS13 to run it with me but I'm sadly failing. It would be a fantastic way to start the day and yes you need to take a chill pill Xmas Wink

SalmonLeBon · 24/12/2018 10:20

mpsw I am currently wondering if my brother's arrive at 12 instruction is to counter my parents always being late, so maybe he doesn't actually want us there until 1pm!

There had been a previous occasion with other sibling where we put the departure time from home into the calendar as the expected arrival time, and got there an hour early. Blush

DS will never be a teenage sloth. He is always up by 0630. His younger brother has only just woken up.

I am hearing you all. I need to go with the flow. Am now packing bags ready, told DH we will open some presents tonight, and pondering if I can fit in the ParkRun too 😂

OP posts:
mpsw · 24/12/2018 10:39

Go for it!

I shall be re-using my Santa dash costume, and DH (military, usually quite strait-laced) is going to dress up as my Elf. I have got antlers for the DC, but suspect that (as they are teen slugs) they will not come

(How about a quick phone call today to check that 'about 12' means anywhere between 12:10 and 12:25? Then you can tell them you'll be setting off after Parkrun, and will send sitreps if the traffic is so bad you'll be later than 12:15)

AWishForWingsThatWork · 24/12/2018 10:46

I'd let him go. It's his holiday, too, and it's not like he just doesn't want to get out of bed!

I'm planning to take mine swimming tomorrow. Pool is open for 3 hours in the morning, they'll be delighted ... we can do presents after.

Ihaventgottimeforthis · 24/12/2018 10:57

Grin I can sense military a mile off.

Have a lovely day Salmon - I was brought up with a permanently late parent too, but now apparently am repeating the pattern, as Larkin says, and the sky has not yet fallen in.
Think of it this way, you will be getting Christmas Day off to a good start by giving him and godfather the chance to do what makes them happy x

NutBiscuit · 24/12/2018 11:03

We'll be junior parkrunning tomorrow with my 5yo DS. He's dressing up as an elf and can't wait.
He's up by 6:30 every day anyway so plenty of time for present opening before parkrun, then back, quick shower and snack before leaving at 12.
I'm hoping that the exercise will help him blow off a bit of the christmas overexcitement to be honest!

AuntieStella · 25/12/2018 19:13

What did you decide to do? And did it work out?

I did a spot of local tourism (as my closest weren't running) and was at a fairly small and brilliantly friendly one today. Regulars provided mince pies and cake at the end!

Saw on a tweet that they had record turn out at Bushey - 2011 through the funnel!!

MelanieCheeks · 31/12/2018 17:55

Will he be NYD doubling tomorrow?

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