Christmas is for the kids

[damsonnatter]

AIBU to find the whole 'Christmas is for the kids' a bit of an eye roll...

Yes it's wonderful for children and I love that they find it magical but Christmas doesn't have to just be geared towards them
It's a good excuse to take a well deserved rest (if you are fortunate enough), see loved ones and treat yourself

If you are part of the 'Christmas is for the kids' gang - why do you think this? Vs Christmas is for everyone

Nah Christmas is for everyone.

@damsonnatter , with the exception of Christians for whom Christmas actually exists.
If you remove religion from Christmas which most people do it has become a magical time for children and adults can and do gain enormous pleasure from the joy of the children they love. Nothing says that adults can’t grab Christmas and use it to hang their fun on but the modern understanding of Christmas is, I believe a child focused event.

I do think it is for the kids. I do what makes them happy as it’s formative for them, they’ll remember it always and form their own life choices from either happy or dreary memories. Magic is created in those early years.

if certain family members had their way we would be roaming around various family members homes visiting people the children don’t know, who have already had 60+ Christmas’s themselves.

Adults have had their time. Let the kids enjoy it.

Well...Christmas was a hell of a lot more fun when I was child so it does make sense

I have a 17 year old - I certainly remember his early years much more fondly than now …

I don’t think it’s just for kids but 3-6 are definitely my favourite years .

however I don’t think you can’t make it a nice time. .

I have cut right back this year I am fed up of running around

Nah, sod that. It’s magical for everyone.

Our kids are young adults now, but we still get really excited about Christmas. We have things on from the last weekend in November until the new year. We love it.

I'm with you OP Christmas is for everyone.

Of course it's for kids....and adults.

I think the people who need to limit it to JUST kids have lost the magic (and are potentially a tad dull).

Is it heck just for kids. Once Santa has been then it’s eat drink and be merry! Everyone off together, great shit Christmas films, loads of food and wine and cheese and crackers and gin and chocolate and board games with the family!

I personally think of it firstly as a religious event, and then as a time for the family. That means all generations, not just kids. And by family I don't just mean biological/blood type family...it's however people have made up that family; friends, community, neighbours etc. Spending time with loved ones, hospitality, sharing what you have, peace and goodwill etc.

Though a lot of the threads on here in terms of Christmas drama/fall outs etc are pretty much the opposite of that!

Christmas is for everyone. Most people like to have a break, see family and friends and exchange presents. Those that don't are often in a corner sucking the air out of the room.

As a child I never cared about Christmas.
As an adult, even less bothered. 🤷‍♀️

For me it’s the party element of the winter solstice, a reminder in the depths of winter that the days will lengthen again and the light come back.

Everyone should be a kid at Christmas!

Exactly this!

And if you aren’t… it’s probably because you had a childhood of pandering to adults wishes at Christmas.

I agree that it’s for everyone. If it was just for kids then we’d celebrate with food like pizza and milkshakes rather than adult stuff like champagne and smoked salmon.

It's a holiday, so obviously it's for everyone, and people can do what they want with the time off.

I think it's important to reflect upon the original, real meaning of Christmas, which was "it's too dark and the ground is too frozen for farming, let's get pissed until things warm up a bit".

It is for family of every age. The people that say it’s just for the kids are usually the ones that are trying to shaft people out of their holidays from work

The whole of December is wonderful with the run up to it like Christmas markets, putting the tree up, going to see lights even work Christmas parties. Then the days around it are great as we travel to our hometown and catch up with people there, the day itself and then the lazy week between Christmas and New Year.

I appreciate it’s not like this for everyone but for me it is bliss and it is the most wonderful time for all the family, regardless of their age

You’re right and I’ve never understood it when people say it. Do you they honestly mean that in the years between them being a kid and having their kids they didn’t celebrate or it meant nothing to them?

I love Christmas. I loved it growing up, as a teen, as an adult and since I’ve become a parent. I don’t think I love it more as a parent, it’s different and that’s wonderful as it’s what I wanted but it was bloody brilliant all the decades before.

Yes I love this sentiment!

Christmas is a family event.
Presents are for kids, Adults shouldn't exchange much more than token gifts.

Well most adults I know don't need or want much so it becomes a big faff trying to come up with ideas.
People know exactly what they want or it's clothing that needs to fit.

To be fair, most things are more fun as a child. There’s no bills to pay, jobs to work, all life admin is managed for you, no responsibilities… sans abusive/neglectful situations, what’s not to love?

Agree with this re presents.

Obviously it’s a holiday, there are lovely traditions that everyone can enjoy, and that’s even leaving aside the religious meaning.I absolutely love Christmas for lots of reasons.

But I do find adults expecting Santas sacks of presents, often from their own parents, as bizarre, childish and just feeding unnecessary commercialism. Kids who believe in Santa is one thing; grown adults no.

I think Christmas is for everyone. Our children are now young adults and we won't see them Christmas day as they're with other relatives but we'll see other extended family and friends. I like advent, the Christmas church services even though no longer a believer, winter walks, Christmas markets and the winter solstice party element of it

I think there is a grey area in there. It's fine for kids up to Uni age to look for sacks of stuff or big ticket items, but once they get to mid 20s earning full-time money it all becomes a bit daft.

We still do family stockings as adults, but they have a £30 budget & each person takes responsibility for one stocking. It works for us.