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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To ask how to bring the magic to Christmas?

15 replies

thecherryfox · 22/12/2024 11:40

I feel like a massive grinch but I’m definitely depressed and I keep holding onto how Christmas used to be as a kid and that feeling surrounding it , that spirit - that magic. The past few years I’ve felt nothing and Christmas has lost its spark and I’m gutted because it used to be my favourite day of the year.

I have a young son who I am really trying to make it the most magical time of year for him. I’m a single parent so it’s just us two until Christmas Day (we’re going to family’s) so now with only a few more days to go, what little quirks do you do in your household in the spirit of Christmas? He’s five (he’s also autistic) so I want to make it as magical as possible and create traditions that are a routine each year that he’ll look forward to!

OP posts:
xmasdealhunter · 22/12/2024 11:48

Don't put too much pressure on yourself! We have always kept the leadup to Christmas lowkey, because Christmas day itself (especially when you're with family) is so hectic/busy.

-Things like Christmas films (Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas on Youtube, Mickey's Christmas, Arthur Christmas are great for that age) can be popped on and help build excitement without much input.
-Making reindeer food (mixing oats and raisins) that can be sprinkled in the garden on Christmas eve.
-Making or going to buy biscuits for Santa.
-Small crafts (such as making paper snowflakes, or making Christmas cards that can be given to family members on Christmas day)
-We also used to visit Santa on the 23rd, at our local garden centre. Lots of kids farms/national trust properties/museums/children's centres still have slots for this.

Suzuki76 · 22/12/2024 11:50

It depends whether he likes crowds or not. We've taken DS to the garden centre to see reindeer/lights/decorations etc. but it was busy. We always go to Costa for a Christmas coffee/hot chocolate and a cake on Christmas Eve. I would choose something you would enjoy yourself.

flubuggy · 22/12/2024 12:03

Don't put so much pressure on yourself.

Watch Christmas films, maybe bake some Christmas cookies, draw Christmas pictures, go for a walk after dark to see local Christmas lights. A lot of the supermarkets have Santa outside this weekend too.

stargazerlil · 22/12/2024 12:09

Christmas music. Remember the good times.
This morning I felt Grinchy, then I reminded myself of the Christmas my water pipes started leaking into the flat below and that nightmare was followed by receiving some mortifying late night drunken sexting from a man I was not into.
Things can always be worse. 😀

HPandthelastwish · 22/12/2024 12:11

An evening walk with a torch and flask of hot chocolate to search for Santa, you can use the NORAD app to track him ( the international space station)

Soccermumamir · 22/12/2024 12:11

Don't put pressure on yourself. I find the day very difficult since I lost my dad and I know it will never be the same again. I find a lot of Christmas is forced down people's neck. Just do what you're happy with. I'm assuming with your little one being autistic they can become overwhelmed with it all anyways - correct me if I'm wrong, as can most children. There's too much pressure now for perfection and I really don't understand it.

RedHelenB · 22/12/2024 12:37

There will have been a lot of "magic" at school I'm sure. Magic comes from your attitude to Christmas, we never had much money but even now they're adults things like the Christmas food shop is something they enjoy because it was made into part of the excitement.

Bournetilly · 22/12/2024 12:41

Christmas songs, a Christmas movie with some treats and go for a drive/ walk to look for Christmas lights with a hot chocolate.

If there’s any spaces available near you maybe book to see Santa if you haven’t already.

something2say · 22/12/2024 12:41

I started traditions.

I play Frank Sinatra love songs while wrapping presents.

There is Christmas only food not even baked by me.

I like going into beautiful churches, there is one here on the High Street and we went in on the way home from the pub on Christmas Eve one year, it was full of people watching the choir sing or wandering about.

I also buy one new Christmas decoration per year.

And just hearing the Christmas songs everywhere is a happy sign of Christmas.

X

StormingNorman · 22/12/2024 12:43

Hot chocolate with whipped cream, marshmallows and a candy cane stirrer.

Christmas films - some of the older ones you enjoyed as a child and some of the newer ones. Polar Express and Arthur Christmas are fab.

Christmas story at bedtime.

Ice skating if there is anywhere near you. The rinks usually have little penguins the young ones can hold on to for balance.

Putting out a carrot for Rudolph and a mince pie/couple of chocolates for Father Christmas on Christmas Eve. We put whiskey out because that’s what my dad (sorry Santa) preferred.

Matching Christmas pyjamas or jumpers.

There’s often a local garden centre that wins Christmas with their displays - an annual trip to have a look round and buy a special bauble each year. I still visit the garden centre my mum took me to go get our Christmas tree and look at the decs. I’m 46.

Please Stop Here sign in the window or front lawn. My DN took great pride in theirs and it was always the first thing they showed me. It’s how Santa knows to stop at their house!

A bit late for this year, but the Royal Mail reply if you post a letter to Father Christmas.

Panto

Starbucks red cups and Christmas menu.

Simple games like a festive snap.

Simple baking. Fudge. Peppermint creams. Honeycomb. Chilled ready-made cookie dough you can cut into shapes.

Some supermarkets sell gingerbread men with little decorating kits.

A wreath on the front door.

Colouring books, drawings and other little crafts.

if you’re absolutely loaded, a little display of the Christmassy Jellycat plushies for his bedroom. But they are eye-watering!

We’re going to watch the local Christmas tractor rally this afternoon. All the local farmers dress up their tractors in fairy lights and drive through a couple of villages raising money for charity. Do you have anything like that near you?

Recycledblonde · 22/12/2024 16:06

We used to sit on the sofa after bathtime on Christmas Eve with only the tree lights some candles and the fire lit and read, Twas the night before Christmas. One of my Dc's is autistic too and I found keeping things low key and cosy was the best way to ensure a stress free christmas. Stockings only from Santa and they were hung downstairs as DS was scared of Santa coming into his bedroom.
Also a candle lit bath with a few drops of lavender oil seemed to keep everything calm.
The only Santa we went to see was the school fair one as not too crowded (or expensive) and we used to go for a walk when it got dark at least one of the nights pre christmas and count lit christmas trees, something I remember from my childhood. I freely admit prioritising sleep around Christmas especially with a child with additional needs.

lavendarwillow · 22/12/2024 16:23

I must admit to feeling like this, I feel much more Christmassy in November. I've had illness and various problems this month but have put on some Christmas music and have been cooking. Have found it quite therapeutic. The old songs are the best.

Biroclicker · 22/12/2024 16:26

When it think back the 'magical' moments were just the family sitting in the living room together.

Just stick on a film, crack open some chocolates and relax

bridgetreilly · 22/12/2024 16:30

Since you are going to be out on Christmas Day, why not go all out for Christmas Eve with just the two of you? Maybe even a Christmas Eve box to open in the morning, with a book to read, colouring/crafts, a film to watch, Christmas PJs, his favourite sweets. Then you could have special food e.g. sandwiches cut into star shapes, red and green jelly with sparkles, hot chocolate with marshmallows. Put out a plate for Santa and Rudolph. Maybe let him sleep in your bed, if that’s a treat for him.

As much as possible just do things together - that’s what will make it really special for him.

Fuckityfucks · 22/12/2024 16:31

Prosecco.

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