What age before she understands the magic of Christmas?

[susiesuelou]

My DD is 20 months old. I'm currently watching her sleep in her cot and I feel a little sad that when she fell asleep this evening she had absolutely no idea what tomorrow is all about.
DP wanted to do a carrot and milk etc for Santa but I said there wasn't much point at this age as she won't have a clue. I'm not sure why this has made me sad, but it has!

I am wondering what age can we start to do all the magic of Christmas? When will she "get it" and go to bed too excited to sleep, etc? If that makes any sense !

My dd got it a bit at 2.5 but at 3.5 understand everything and is so excited!

Ahh I've got a couple more years yet then!

Enjoy it for you this year. Take photos, soak in the moments and do the things you want to on the day. Once they are aware of course you still set the traditions etc but imo its more about making the magic happen which is lovely and worth it, but also a fair bit of work it feels. DS is nearly 4 and I'd say sort of aware- he understood the concept of writing to santa etc and has enjoyed festive stuff, but I don't think he will fully grasp it and am open minded about how tomorrow will go ie not expecting a magical movie scene!

ive always had to do the Santa thing due to cousins living near by- but eldest DD prob understood around 4 what we were doing laying out a tray of good- but she is really excited now she’s 5

Our little one is 18 months and we’ve tried to make today and tomorrow as magical as we can. I know he doesn’t understand what it’s all about, but he gets excited seeing all the lights and the fuss we have made. We’re putting out treats for Santa and I’ve sat on the couch with him tonight watching the Santa tracker. We had a Christmas Eve box earlier too which he enjoyed opening.

We’re currently watching The Muppets Christmas Carol and he’s really into it 😂 It’s all more for me at this point, I have such fond memories of my childhood Christmases and get really excited knowing I get to share all the magic with him now 🥰

Age 3 I would say. I would make the most of not having to do too much and work your way in gradually!

She'll enjoy it he day at 20 months - the wrapping paper as much as the presents! I'd agree they REALLY get it at around three because they can vaguely remember it happening before and gradually the memories build up and they find the build up exciting.

My son was nearly 4 before the real Xmas eve excitement started.

DD is 4.5 and I would say this is the first year she’s fully “got” the concept of Santa and leaving out biscuits for him etc. At 2 and 3 she was into it and loved all the lights and excitement but I don’t think fully processed in advance what was meant to happen on Christmas Eve

My youngest is 2y1m and he's understood some things, but it helps that his sisters are 7 and nearly 6. When my eldest was 2 I deliberately didn't start her at preschool until after that Christmas as I wanted to enjoy the last year before she got too whipped up in everything. Try to enjoy it for yourselves and make the most of it!

About 3, then peak excitement for the next few years. It is lovely and tbh my 16 year old still loves xmas and it remains magical in a different way. This year she is excited because she has started a part time job and bought my presents herself and cannot wait for me to open them!

Mine is nearly 3 (34 months if I were to be a wanker about it) and is SO excited about father Christmas coming tomorrow!

I think they've got a bit of an idea at 3.
Then more of an idea at 4, maybe some memory of last Christmas.
By 5 they fully get it, remember last Christmas and are excited from September onwards.

My son is 4 and “gets it” this year, it’s the most excited he’s been!

Aw this is so lovely, your DD sounds lovely 💖

Is it acceptable to say the age in months when they're still under 2? I say 20 months all the time 😬🤣

Mine started to "get it" at just over 2. Ages 3 and 4 were both lovely but this year the DC are 3 and 5 and it's amazing! They both really understand and are so excited.

In my head 18 months is the cut off for counting months. After that I'd say
'She'll be 2 in April' or whatever.

@susiesuelou she is. It has been just me and her since her dad died 8 years ago and I am very proud of her. We did have a couple of rocky teenage years (particularly during lockdown) but I can reassure parents of teens they do come out the other side at some point😁. Also, parents of toddlers, they are still amazing and fill you life with fun when they get older- just in different ways!

DS is nearly 2.5 years old and actually understands way more than I thought he would, but I think next year will make a bit more sense to him.

3ish for both mine!

I remember when dd was just over 2 on her 3rd Christmas (August born) and she was excited but didn't really know why (probably just because her older brother was excited and she picked up on it). She got herself so worked up on Christmas Day and then she tripped and fell over at PIL's, she wasn't hurt but she cried inconsolably for about an hour and then fell asleep on the sofa and slept through dinner! She understood it the following year though and is still excited at 9, though I think she's starting to question the whole Santa thing so this may be the last year of it being completely magical ☹️
You've got it all to come 🎅🏻

@Oysterbabe

Haha, ok. She'll be 2 in April, then 😂

So lovely 💖

Mine is 2 yrs 8 months and is starting to get it this year although he doesn't understand everything. Last year at 20 months he didn't have a clue.