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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To not want to have to split our Christmas into 4 because of our family situation?

318 replies

Nomoremilk · 15/09/2019 14:28

It may be early but our mums arrange Christmas in September, sigh.
In our house we have 3 DC under 4, and me and my husband.
Both our parents divorced and aren't very friendly, all have partners.
Basically, our Christmas Day since we have had children has to be split into 4 so everyone can see the kids. We've tried having a day on our own and we were called selfish. We don't want them all here together because even if they agreed to be friendly there would be an atmosphere for sure.
My mum has invited us to go to her house this year, but mil has been protesting that we will need to fit them in at some point.
Aibu to just sod it and go to one house? It's so much arsing getting 3 toddlers in and out of the car, they want to play and we don't get to relax. I don't see why we should stay at our house either and be hosts to 4 lots. I just want to go to someone's house and have dinner and relax.
Im definitely happy to see people christmas eve and boxing day and break it up a bit that way but apparently it just HAS to be Christmas day.
Before we had kids nobody cared!

OP posts:
Fairenuff · 15/09/2019 14:48

Just stay home, do your own thing and ignore all their moaning. They'll get over it. And if they don't, so what. You have your own family to consider now.

Puzzledandpissedoff · 15/09/2019 14:49

Another small point is that by continuing this, you're handing them the opportunity to whine about "what you did last year, and you didn't seem to mind then". This is what I meant about new family / new traditions, preferably before they all get too used to the old ones dragging on endlessly

Trust me, they'll come to terms with it ... they'll have no choice

MzHz · 15/09/2019 14:49

Stay home and be there for the kids

The lat thing anyone wants to do so schlep anywhere on Christmas Day, and with kids all under 4 why the fuck should you?

They call you selfish? They are wrong and completely out of order.

So sod them. “We’re staying at home this Christmas, we’ll see you at some point before or after the big day”

Then leave it at that

“Subject isn’t up for discussion, we’ve done our running about for everyone else’s benefit, we’re not doing that any more”

Lumene · 15/09/2019 14:50

Have Christmas at yours and do open house.

harrypotterfan1604 · 15/09/2019 14:50

I am waiting for a similar argument in our family. First year having a child of our own she will be almost 1 and we plan on having Christmas dinner at home just the 3 of us.
This will totally upset MIL and she’ll have a right strip about it.
My own mum will be mithering to come and visit on Christmas morning as will my grandparents.
They will all be being told no! I will happily spend Christmas Eve with my mum and grandparents and Boxing Day with the in laws but I am having my first Christmas Day as a mum spoilt by childish grandparents trying to outdo each other and fighting for the babies attention.
Not happening!

It’s your Christmas so do what suits you as a family everyone else can sod off!

Jellybeansincognito · 15/09/2019 14:52

I’d just say no this is getting ridiculous, I feel like a Christmas cracker every year. We’re staying home, if you want to see us- you know where we are.

It’s not selfish, in fact, Xmas is about the kids, it’s selfish to drag them too and from all day.
Let them be at home enjoying the day fully!

MilkTrayLimeBarrel · 15/09/2019 14:53

Christmas is NOT just for children. Actually, it is primarily a religious festival for everybody. Adults too can have fun and a good time - why does everything always have to be about kids!

ChrisPrattsFace · 15/09/2019 14:53

We have always had Christmas Eve with my family, boxing day with DHs and Christmas Day to ourselves.
We have a baby now so I expect I’ll be given similar emotional guilt trips but we are sticking to our plans that we’ve had for almost ten years.
Also Christmas is my favourite time of year and I want the day to be the same as we have always had!

TheBrockmans · 15/09/2019 14:54

Have Christmas at yours and alternate years so this year MIL and your father can come from 4 to 7 for mince pies and leftovers. Your mother and FIL can chose between Christmas eve or Boxing Day. Next year reverse the plan and your mother and FIL come for Christmas afternoon and the others see you just before or just after. If they don't like it then tough!

fedup21 · 15/09/2019 14:55

You’re not being selfish, they are being ridiculous.

Stay and home and see none of them!

DailyMailHater · 15/09/2019 14:57

Similar situation both sets of parents divorced and with new partners and don’t get on with ex’s so we have
Xmas eve lunch my mum and step dad and FIL and his wife....Buffett style everyone brings stuff and it is eaten of paper plates (no washing up for me)
Xmas day....just us and kids
Boxing Day my dad and step mum and MIL and her partner - they all bring leftovers from Xmas day I do some extra bits to nibble on and that’s lunch sorted!
We see everyone...keep any ex’s apart and have Xmas day alone....kids love it as they get their presents spread over 3 days and quality time with all their grandparents
And if any of the parents / In law’s don’t like it they are told tough luck....I did have to put my foot down over this about 5 yers ago but hasn’t worked great since

Redglitter · 15/09/2019 14:58

Stay at home. What you're doing sounds stressful and unfair on the children. The world wont end if they dont see them on Christmas Day. Stop letting them manipulate you. Tell them now nice and early that your spending the day at home. And ignore the emotional blackmail

ladygracie · 15/09/2019 14:58

What would you like to do ideally? Is there a house you’d prefer to be at on Christmas Eve and Day? And your dh? If you can decide this together then that is a good start.

Puzzledandpissedoff · 15/09/2019 14:59

I agree, MilkTrayLimeBarrel; it is indeed for everyone to enjoy, and that includes OP and her DH. They've previously run themselves ragged, but now want the families to do their bit as well instead of just issuing tearful demands

Sounds like a win all round to me ...

83maddog83 · 15/09/2019 15:00

I have 3 children (mine are a little older at 8, 7 and 4) and we are a similar situation to you with divorced parents. We tell everyone we are staying at home on Christmas day so the kids can enjoy their toys, and they are all welcome to pop for an hour for a cuppa and to exchange gifts in the morning. This works well for us. Why should your children be dragged around to please others. Be firm and stick to your plans.

Oldraver · 15/09/2019 15:00

Ever since I had children I always said Christmas would be in our own home and they would not be traipsed round, although we have always said anyone is welcome to join us unfortunetly MIL took us up this a few times

My Mum did go into a sulk and spent the last 30 odd years going abroad, never wanting to spend Christmas with her GC's (well she came once).

imnotinthemood · 15/09/2019 15:00

I think you need to ask yourself what do you want to do ?
Do you want to stay home with the kids relax and enjoy your Christmas and see the relatives the day before or after ? If so do it so what if they call you selfish. They are selfish because they want to do what they want . You can be selfish and do what you and your dh and dc want.
I've done it myself for years Christmas was hectic the run up and during because I was trying to please everyone. I decided a few years ago no more I see family Christmas Eve or Boxing Day and it's so much better for us , more chilled and relaxing.

DoctorAllcome · 15/09/2019 15:01

I’m of the opinion that once you have kids, you spend Christmas Day in your own home with no visitors.
There are actually 12 days of Christmas, your extended family can visit on any of the other 11 days.

Knittedfairies · 15/09/2019 15:03

You have to jump through hoops so as not to 'spoil' Christmas for 8(?) adults, you're worrying about it already and it's only mid September? Let your children be at home on Christmas Day so they can play with their new toys. Tell everyone else they can call round on Christmas Eve or Boxing Day for a cup of tea and a mince pie; start your own family traditions now.

perfectstorm · 15/09/2019 15:04

Tell them sensible adults prioritise the best interests of children in any complex emotional situation, and therefore you're doing just that.

The weird thing about messy families is that people will squawk when you first lay down boundaries, and then in no time they're the new normal and just accepted. So if you set it out now, firmly and as it's going to be - no apologies, no suggestions, just THIS IS THE DEAL, then after an initial wailing and gnashing of teeth, everyone will fall into line.

Your kids deserve a happy family Christmas. That's what matters. Your respective parents and new partners can visit you when suits all sides.

The problem is that you've not stuck to your guns long enough to normalise things. They're in the habit of emotional blackmail succeeding, and to them it feels like they're expressing their needs. But their needs have ruled your lives, from the sounds of it, all through. Why should they rule your own children's lives?

Christmas traditions are great. Your children should be allowed to start some. In their own home, with their own tree and presents and meal, without stress and travel and adult drama.

Your parents are being massively, massively selfish. Shift the expectations - two years of doing that consistently, and it will be the new normal. Promise.

Bouffalant · 15/09/2019 15:04

That's ridiculous.

Tell them you are having a quiet day at home on the 25th.

They are welcome to visit on the 26th or 27th.

Don't engage in further discussion.

Cherrysoup · 15/09/2019 15:05

Do what suits you and your dh, not what suits other people. It’s far too stressful to be dragging 3 toddlers round.

BatshitBertha · 15/09/2019 15:05

Christmas Day is about the children...not the adults. Lugging toddlers around so that they can be viewed by their grandparents (on a day where all they want to do is eat chocolate and play with their new toys) is crazy.

If you carry on like this your kids will not have fond memories of Christmas. Just say no.

Berthatydfil · 15/09/2019 15:05

Your children have around 5 or 6 christmases to enjoy the Santa thing before they stop believing.
It’s extremely selfish of the adults to not put their differences aside or compromise for the sake of the children.
It’s totally selfish of them to expect your children to uproot themselves and travel round when they want to be enjoying their toys.
I would be telling the adults that you don’t think it’s fair on the children to continue to do this and from now on you won’t be, although you will reconsider when they are older.
If the adults winge ask them if they really feel their wants should be put over the children’s?

bananasandwicheseveryday · 15/09/2019 15:06

DH and I were clear, even before we married, that Christmas Day would NOT involve 'fitting in' parents, or putting up with any tantrums about it. We've only ever wavered a couple of times for a very specific set of circumstances. We are now the in-laws and have always made it clear that whilst DCs and their partners are welcome here for Christmas, it is never, ever expected. I suspect that this year they will choose to be in their own hones for Christmas - for one it will be their first one in their first home and for the other, they now have a dc of their own and naturally, want them to enjoy their toys etc without being dragged off to Nannie and Grandad's. And if either, it both decide to do that, that will be fine with us.
OP, you need to decide what is best for your family and stand firm. If there are tantrums and tears, that's tough - they'll get over it. Decide and then don't not give in.