How to stuff stockings when kids awake?! PLEASE GO TO SLEEP

[Porthia]

DC1 has been trying to get to sleep for 2 hours. Still awake. Still tossing and turning. Ears pricked for any sound. No way I could get the rustle of presents downstairs!

I am shattered. Had very little sleep last night and I know the kids will all be up early in the morning.

What should I do? Risk going to sleep and set my alarm for 3am and then all of them waking up then if I make a noise? Or just wait until whenever DC1 finally falls asleep - even if it’s hours yet, and then deal with the 5am wake up tomorrow.

Either way it feels like I need to refill the coffee machine.

We do stockings by the xmas tree and fireplace in the lounge! Good thing too as dc 7 and 9 are still awake and chatting.

Stockings downstairs wouldn’t help sadly because all the presents are stashed in my wardrobe and under the bed. I need to get them downstairs.

Solidarity to all those tired parents committed to making the magic happen!

I decided I'm not attempting it til the 4am feed when I know the older 2 will be in Dreamland. I'm going to put the presents out soon there already in the front room but need to take them out the bags and boxes I've stored them in.

Done! I was like Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible getting those empty stockings out and filled ones back in. At last, my bed beckons. Good luck everyone

Oh blimey.......never done this...... Santa always comes in the early hours round our way.

I move the presents to the boot of my car at a convenient time prior to Xmas Eve. Then pop outside to get them when dc are in bed but make noises as if I’m emptying the bins or something. They’re teens but still don’t know how it’s done

Stockings downstairs though.

Stockings downstairs, all other presents under the tree whenever they are wrapped. None of this stressful sneaking about stuff. Job done.