Chores on Christmas Eve

[Felimscat]

Well it's almost 11.30pm. I still have some wrapping to do and putting the haul of presents somewhere the cats won't demolish by the morning. Done two loads of laundry and all the washing up. House is still a shit tip.

Estimated time to sleep, 2am. If I pull my finger out. I have a fresh cuppa and determination to get it all done. Single parent and wondering how I keep on going.

Please can I have a handhold and some chit chat whilst I go. I'm very tired and have been unwell to boot.

Wrap all the stocking stuff first. Then kids presents.

then grab a laundry basket and go through lounge and throw all the crap thdd as ts everywhere in it and hide it somewhere. Bedroom, garage, wardrobe whatever.

Laundry can wait. Washing up can wait.

Get to bed earlier than 2am. Your kids don’t care about dirty dishes- they just want time with you. If anyone is coming over and comments on dirty dishes you say “thanks for offering” and hand them a brush.

I'm sorry you're feeling unwell. Is there anything you can watch or listen to in the background to help the time go quicker?

I've been watching standup all night.

Wrapping first, scrap doing laundry - that can wait - and then make sure you’ve got enough stuff washed for making your Christmas meal tomorrow.

If it's just you and the kids I'd leave the housework, they won't notice / care and they'll be making more mess unwrapping anyway.

If you're having people over and kids old enough to help, put timer on for 20 mins and set them tasks tomorrow. And repeat as often as you need.

Grab a bin bag and throw all the remaining laundry in it and hide it somewhere (under the stairs, spare bedroom etc.). You can catch up some other day.

Same goes for any random bits lying around.

Wipe down kitchen counters. Sweep kitchen floor.

Wrap remaining presents.

Get to bed a.s.a.p.

Otherwise, you'll be wrecked tomorrow and you won't enjoy your day. And you risk getting sick again.

Wish I was there to give you a helping hand.

Do the stockings, a couple of presents each and just make one room as nice as you can. You can wrap and scatter any other presents through the day (which is nice in any case). I bust a gut when mine were little to have everything in the house perfect- they don't even remember!

Stocking presents don't all have tobe wrapped - I stopped wrapping sweets and anything in a pretty packaging. You can put some presents in shopping bags tied with a big bow I am doing this, Too knackered to wrap every single thing. Been up since 6am and barely stopped. Still have loads of wrapping to do but I'll wake up earlier than anyone else and do it then.

@Felimscat how's it going?

Thanks for the replies. Presents are all wrapped now. Stockings are filled. Santa gifts with Santa wrapping and his hand written note has been delivered.

I have bought myself some presents which I feel a bit silly wrapping so just popped those in a gift bag.

Housework is under control and will have to wait until the morning to do the last minute dash around.

It's just me and DC and ExH will join us tomorrow. I've obviously been nice and bought him a couple of gifts from DC too.

Also on my own and also still up trying to get everything done so just wanted to say we're in it together!

Hope you and your family have a lovely Christmas!

Well done, sleep well . ( Big unmumsnet hug to you on Christmas Eve)

Thank you @Timetoheal4good
Wishing you a good Christmas too, and to all of us single parents too.

As expected I'm done now at nearly 2am! Just doing DC cards now then I am done.