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Christmas

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Original poster

What's the best age for kids at Christmas?

25 replies

nurseyn · 09/12/2019 11:43

In your experience, what age was the most magical Christmas for you/your child? What age do they enjoy it the most? Sound like a journalist but I'm not DD is 2.5 and whilst she gets the basic idea that Santa brings presents, what age do they really get it without one doubt in their mind? This was worded weirdly, sorry, I couldn't think of a better way to put it for me, it was 8 but kids seem to be growing up faster now?

OP posts:

BillieEilish · 09/12/2019 11:48

My DD is 11 and this will be her last believing Christmas I'd say, still in primary.

Very small private school in rural Spain though. London would be different.

I'd say 7, 8, 9, 10 are the best years!

2.5, honestly, they have no idea. DD got it around 5 upwards I think.

stellabelle · 09/12/2019 11:54

Mine was when she was 3-4, and truly believed. One of my best memories was her 3rd Christmas, DH was away in the Army so it was just DD and me. Christmas Eve, we sat on the front steps and searched the starry sky for Santa's sleigh, and strained our ears for the jingling of the bells. Pure magic.

Original poster

nurseyn · 09/12/2019 11:54

I thought so @BillieEilish. DD does understand the 'Santa brings presents at Christmas' but that's the extent.

OP posts:

Titsywoo · 09/12/2019 11:56

I'm enjoying xmas with teens more I think! They may not believe anymore but we have more of a laugh together and can do the fun days out without moaning/tantrums etc etc. Plus they can properly help me cook now!

Clangus00 · 09/12/2019 11:59

My DD is 4 and this year she REALLY gets it.
She’s as high as a bloody kite, but loving life.

happycamper11 · 09/12/2019 12:02

I'd say age 3 (my niece is currently 3 and so in to it this year) to around 6/7.

livingthegoodlife · 09/12/2019 12:33

I think 6. My son is a little older and s bit questioning but at 6 a true believer and old enough to have anticipation and be excited. And also grateful for presents whereas toddlers enjoy the gifts they don't "understand" as much.

BrokenWing · 09/12/2019 12:38

For me magical Xmas with ds(15) was between when he understood Xmas, we pulled off getting him a big surprise and also some board game playing and Xmas film were heavily involved. Which would be between age 4-12, still enjoy Xmas but the 'magic' has worn off a bit in the last year or two.

BearSoFair · 09/12/2019 16:33

I'd say between 4 and about 8 were when they were most 'into' it, believing in Santa etc. Although they were also the years that were the most hard work. Now they're older (10, 12, 17) the 'magic' isn't there but at least we don't have to deal with them getting overwhelmed and the resulting tantrums and lost tempers!

BlueOooChristmas · 09/12/2019 16:40

Our youngest is 4 and she is a brilliant age this year, she believes it completely and keeps saying "I'm just so excited about Christmas, I can't wait". She skipped up the road today to post her letter off to the North Pole.
Our eldest is 7 and definitely has more questions this year! She still believes but I wonder if some kids at school don't because there's been the odd question followed up by "...but I believe x". We're decorating at home and so our Elf has been a bit delayed in getting here and I thought this might be the first year she looks at him sees he's not real. But they got a class Elf and she keeps telling me what he's been up to. I thought she'd get it this year but she still wants to believe in the magic and I'm delighted we get another year of it.

ShannonShouts · 09/12/2019 16:46

My 4 and 6 year old are very excited so I’d say around that age

wendz86 · 09/12/2019 17:29

I'd say around 4-5 . My youngest who is 4 is very excited about it all.
I am also enjoying that my 8 year old remembers all the christmas songs and sings along now .

Greenbutterlfy566 · 09/12/2019 21:31

GertiMJN · 09/12/2019 21:37

Between 4 and 9/10

Young end is wonderful because it's all new and magical, and the older end because they still have the fabulous excitement and enthusiasm but you can do more "things" much more easily e.g. Christmas markets, Christmas lights, theatre etc.

Stompythedinosaur · 09/12/2019 22:02

It was lovely around 3-4 when it was new and magical, bit I'm also really enjoying this Christmas with a 6 and 8yo as we can do activities which I genuinely enjoy together.

UndertheCedartree · 09/12/2019 22:07

I think around 5! I remember my DD at that age and she was so amazed with everything! It was before she started wanting every toy she sees on tv and just seemed so innocent.

My DC are 12 and 7 now and it will still be amazing

56Marshmallow · 09/12/2019 22:18

My 9 year old is super excited this year, more so than any other year. I'm really enjoying watching his excitement about Christmas and visiting Santa.

Clammyclam · 09/12/2019 22:28

I think 4/5-10
My two are in the bracket and it's really fun, they get it, still believe and also are old enough to do more, be awake all day and really feel the magic.

Dd is nearing the end of believing, she's not said, but I know it will come from peers soon enough.

ArabellaPilkington · 09/12/2019 22:53

This is the first year that my youngest definitely properly doesn't believe and tuts and eyerolls when I mention Santa

BUT

I've never seen her so excited for Christmas!!!

She's been playing Christmas tunes since 1 Dec, is going to spend the weekend decorating her room and is planning all manner of Christmas baking for next week.

She adores tradition bless her

Poetryinaction · 10/12/2019 00:06

I have a 5yo a 4yo and a 1yo. It's pretty awesome right now.l

ParkheadParadise · 10/12/2019 00:19

Dd1 is 4 and excited about Santa.
Santa is talked about a lot in our house just now.

katewhinesalot · 10/12/2019 00:28

I'd say between 3 and 7.

JaJoJe · 17/12/2019 18:42

I cant remember the actual years but probably around 8-10.

Its when your old enough to get it, remember it but still be treat like a child full of whimsy and joy (that seemed to stop around 12, I had no say and felt forced to grow up and it sucked).

Although saying that I also remember I think it was my 4th Xmas, I got a big Wendy house that was 'MY house' and that just sticks in my mind but its more that gift than the day of Xmas.

reluctantbrit · 17/12/2019 20:00

It started properly at 4 when she started school.

High times was between 5-7 I think but honestly, she is 12, doesn’t believe since she is 9 and we still have a great time. Different but not less magical.

Mummyme87 · 17/12/2019 22:35

My DD1 got it at 2.5yrs but really really gets it now age 5

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