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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To really love being a single parent at Christmas

49 replies

Kikipost · 27/12/2018 06:47

Christmas was me and my two children (8 and 5)

No drama. No arguments. No resentments. No grudges. No hissed arguments. No stress.

Just me and my children. Our little gang. We opened stockings, for breakfasts they had the treat cereal i had brought them for Xmas whilst I just had a yoghurt - so no big washing up afterwards. Instead they played with stocking bits whilst I pottered.
Then we got dressed and opened some sack presents. They were incredibly excited about giving me their present they’d got with their dad (my ex) for me.
Then we did their jigsaws and then raced mario karts on my son’s new wii. I prepared lunch (mainly from marks other than the roasties and my daughter’s all time fav of honey roasted carrots), we ate and then did an entire 24 pack of crackers in one session!
Then more presents.
Then a really lovely walk, involving the two of them having a nerf laser gun battle.
Then I did left overs and pizza in front of Home alone 2. They then had baths with their bath fizzing bombs.
They were in bed usual time of 7.30, at which point I had a mug of horlicks and watched bird box.

Much the same yesterday.

Today I’m going to yoga for an hour whilst they sit in reception watching a film on the iPad, then home for lunch then I’ve booked local theatre show of wizard kid oz, then swing in to friend’s home on walk back from town for a glass of mulled wine, then back home for dinner and bed.

I’m so happy. On paper it looks tragic. Both parents deceased. I’m divorced. No close family.
But actually - it’s bloody marvellous.

OP posts:
puzzledlady · 27/12/2018 06:50

Ok Xmas Smile

Partridgeamongstthepigeons · 27/12/2018 06:53

Sounds lovely 😊Merry Christmas to you allXmas Smile

ClaryFray · 27/12/2018 06:54

Enjoy I loved my time as a single parent at Christmas.

Escolar · 27/12/2018 06:56

Lovely Xmas Smile

Kikipost · 27/12/2018 07:04

Thank you!
It feels so out of kilter with what’s regarded as a proper family Christmas but it works and last three xmases since divorce I have enjoyed so much, but there’s a whiff of pity from others and I want to say “we don’t need your pity.... we are so happy!”

OP posts:
Doobee · 27/12/2018 07:08

Sounds ideal to me!

malificent7 · 27/12/2018 07:09

Yanbu...most people dread relatives at Christmas...hard work etc!

Dottysmum18 · 27/12/2018 07:12

Your gunna leave a 5 year old in the reception of a building while u go and do yoga Hmm
Other then that sounds great

Kikipost · 27/12/2018 07:14

Your gunna leave a 5 year old in the reception of a building while u go and do yoga hmm

Yep! It’s a tiny local one room yoga place that I’ve been going to for years, and the receptionist is my neighbour!

OP posts:
ResistanceIsNecessary · 27/12/2018 07:16

Sounds lovely - glad you have had a great Christmas Flowers

Dottysmum18 · 27/12/2018 07:26

Oh that is different was thinking massive 3 story gym
Dont mind me have a loverly day
Grin

LadyRochfordsFrostedGusset · 27/12/2018 07:26

Totally get you OP. Belated Happy Christmas from me Xmas Smile.

Kikipost · 27/12/2018 07:28

Such lovely responses

OP posts:
worthygirl · 27/12/2018 07:34

@kiki it sounds lovely - i’ve Had a very similar Xmas but with a very grumpy partner too & wished a lot that it was just me & my 2 kids to be honest Grin

YankeeCandlePong · 27/12/2018 07:34

It sounds lovely and similar to the day DH and I have with DD. Doesn't your ex want to see his kids over Xmas.

sandgrown · 27/12/2018 07:38

Well it sounds lovely to me . My 'D'P has not spoken to us since before Christmas, and did not come to a relative's for Christmas dinner, so the atmosphere in the house is not good. But, on the plus side, while he is not speaking he cannot be criticising me and our DS so it's quite calm.

Capricornandproud · 27/12/2018 07:38

Same here! I was a miserable for other reasons but I would take a single parent xmas over the previous ones ANY time. Thinking of changing it up completely next year so we don’t even leave the house xx

Happierwithouthim · 27/12/2018 07:42

Dc same age, this was our first Christmas separated I'm loving being able to do what we want with a grumpy 'd'h to contend with Grin

Ya got some pitying looks and texts for having dinner alone with dc, it was great they were happy and so was I.

Thanks for posting this

callymarch · 27/12/2018 07:46

Totally agree - Christmas without 'the atmosphere' is so much better

DuggeesWooOOooggle · 27/12/2018 07:49

Sounds lovely - no in-laws!! Grin

I am totally in awe of single parents and think you all do an amazing job. I hope that doesn't sound patronising. I'm sure your kids have had a lovely time too - stress-free, fun and with a happy mum.

Pippioddstocking · 27/12/2018 07:51

Kikipost you are an inspiration .
This was my first single parent Xmas too and although it was nice to not be around grumpy STBXH I did find it all a little sad .
Next year I'm nailing it though .

Oysterbabe · 27/12/2018 07:59

Do they see their father?

Bamchic · 27/12/2018 08:02

Have a fab time xxxx

BobbyBanana · 27/12/2018 08:04

Sounds just perfect. Please ignore the snide comments on here.
Some people just can't bear to see a single mum succeed.

Kikipost · 27/12/2018 08:04

Do they see their father?

Christmas we went ice skating as a foursome. Then ex came back here for coffee and mince pie.

Then he will pick up children tomorrow morning and have for two nights.

Not an inspiration! You’ll get there.
I just feel so much more relaxed than in previous years. It’s been a cracking Christmas.

OP posts: