Christmas with a newborn and 8 year old. Help please!

[Mamababynumber2]

Hi everyone,
I am super excited about Christmas and starting to think about how we are going to have a great time with a newborn. Baby due 12th Dec but could arrive as late as 26th if I go over.

We usually go to the panto. Found one in Jan, is it acceptable to take a newborn to the panto?

What things shall I be booking in advance?

Any tips on how to keep Christmas normal for our 8 year old and magical with a brand new baby?

Thank you xxx

I think a panto may be a bit too loud for a newborn. I'd wait and see how you feel before pre booking anything. Could your partner take the 8 year old instead?
Just crack on at home with all the exciting stuff that appeals to your older child. Babies generally fit around everything.

Book the panto for late November/early December so that can be your special bonding trip before the new baby arrives. Lots of Christmas activities start late Nov/ early December now so book in grotto visits etc as soon as slots open.

Then just enjoy putting your feet up and staying cosy with both of your babies. Forget the mad Christmas rush and crowds and just hibernate.

I would advise against it. We took our 5 month old to the RAH and immediately regret it and left early. It wont be a good atmosphere for a newborn.

Can you do panto in early Dec instead?

Far too young as it’ll be loud and you’ll not be able to enjoy it I doubt. Like others say enjoy having a cosy Christmas indoor awkhr your new baby

indoors with your newborn baby that should say

I agree with other to try and do panto before baby is born

/s*

Get your shopping done asap. Don't forget baby needs things too. (Unless you want to deal with "why did Santa forget baby").

Tree up 1st Dec get 8yo to help and panto as soon as possible. Lots of Christmas films (let's you take part without moving around too much)

I would avoid trying to do stuff after Christmas. Just settle into the new year with baby. And give 8yo tons of attention.

Thank you for your replies. It's unfortunate that the panto showing near us don't start till 7th Dec which is abit close to my due date. I'd be worrying about my waters going in the theatre!

Yes was thinking tree up on the 1st December.
I was thinking about going to see Christmas lights. What Christmas things can u do locally or at home? I'm thinking perhaps we can do Christmas crafts, baking.... hmmmm.
We usually go to winter wonderland but won't be going up to London!

Lots of garden centres do breakfast or supper with Santa, that could be fun for the 8 yo if someone can take him. Go and pick/collect the tree. Make decorations (paper chains or bunting/items for the tree) or cards/gift tags.

I would not advise the panto for a baby. If it starts on 7th you could go in the first couple of days though.

Do a 'letter from Santa' for your 8yo. Either do it yourself (and post it to your address! - lots of inspiration on Pinterest) or order one from the company that does them.
Make a gingerbread house!
Find out (nearer the time) if the Coca Cola Christmas truck will be visiting anywhere near you.

As somebody who went to a rock concert (Rod Stewart) at 39 weeks, yes I did have a seat. The chances are you'd be fine to go to panto that first weekend.
Would grandparents be able to take her if you were in labour?

My advice would be to get all of your presents (Santa presents etc) wrapped and boxed up at the beginning of December and set up an M&S and Ocado/online supermarket order for your Christmas meal. When I had DD we ended up having to stay in hospital for a week and only got out on the 23rd December. My partner was holding the fort with DSD and they were coming in to hospital to see us every day so I was glad that there was no extra stress to get these things organised and make Christmas happen!

You don't know how you and the baby will be in January so if it's possible I would go for the panto before your due date.

Don't forget a present from the baby to your 8y/o and a stocking for the baby :)

I also found that DSD (9 y/o at the time) needed to be able to have some down time/quiet over Christmas as well as all the excitement - it all got quite a lot for her with us being in hospital then a new baby coming home and crying at night, but appreciate that's a bit different and more challenging in a blended family situation. We made a yule log together which was nice.

We have found that a big old lego/Knex set for Christmas that DS and I build as a team was a good calming indoor activity for Christmas Day. In our case DH was on nights and we live in a flat so we had to be quietly occupied doing something fun for a few hours while he slept. Would work if you have new born as well though!

I recommend getting shopping for Christmas and baby done ahead of time. My waters broke one month early at beginning of December, but I didn't go into labour until induced the following week. Slogging round a manic, crowded shopping center making sure you have a sterilizer, bottles etc and any last minute gifts and you're 8 months gone and leaking slightly is not an experience I'd recommend to anyone.