Anyone else More excited this year than years before.

[Rupertgrintismyguiltypleasure]

Before people jump at me, I know a lot of people won’t be in a festive mood due to the cost of living crisis, I understand that, this post isn’t intending to belittle or offend anyone.
usually I’m super excited for Halloween, it’s always been my fave, love the whole aspect of scary... just al2ays appealed to me. This year it’s being over shadowed by my unusual excitement for Christmas. Don’t get me wrong I love Christmas too, but I’m never usually this excited.
I think I know why. Dd is 10, i don’t know much longer she will believe in Santa, tbh I thought for sure one of the kids in her class might say something, either they haven’t or she doesn’t believe them. I keep thinking this will be the last year so mayb the excitement is stemming from that. If she asks me outright I will tell her the truth. I love the magic behind Santa, her face on Christmas Eve when she’s getting Santa’s treats ready, when they track Santa on norad literally all day. Her face in the morning, the fact she so in awe in everything she gets. I know I’ll miss it when they stop and Christmas won’t be like it has for the past 18 years (dsis is 18, so always had the whole Santa clause thing now for 18 years) even though it stresses me out with the hiding of prezzies, but I love the reaction I get when I’ve seen thier faces. DS 14... hasn’t asked me but I think he knows, he’s said a few things that would indicate he knows Santa isn’t real for the last 3 years, think he just kept quiet for his sisters sake.

any one else feel the same?
anyone with older kids have any tips for the future?

No. ICBA tbh.

Dreading it

DS 14... hasn’t asked me but I think he knows, he’s said a few things that would indicate he knows Santa isn’t real

Right …

You think your 14 year old believes in Santa????

Even 10 is too old to still believe in santa.

Can I just clarify DS is autistic.

Who SAid? There’s no rule on age... I stopped believing when I saW my mum at 11 bringing in my stocking.

Absolutely the same. Our last 2 christmases, we have had to stay away from wider family due to covid.

This year, 20 of us are getting together, including some we haven't seen for over 3 years. It may well be the last time for some. Enough who believe in Santa to make it fun, adult present amnesty so it's not ruinously expensive.

Really hoping it all goes to plan and doesn't get derailed at the last minute
again!!

10 is not too old to believe in Santa, I am too very excited this year I think because of the cost of living its a nice welcome distraction :)

Can’t wait for Christmas this year and I usually dread it. Never been so skint so had to strip back activities which everyone seems happy about and planning much more baking, films, simple stuff. Youngest Dc is 3 and very excited, he’s really into the Santa magic this year, eldest Dc will be just turned 8 and I think the last year of still believing (he’s a little sceptical but very much going along with it for dc3, & dc4). My youngest has been asking since August if Santa might bring him a tattie harvester for Christmas, if he’s good. I can’t wait to see his face when he sees it, and see him moving it & down his imaginary field.

I'm so very excited! The cost of living of course doesn't make it easy for everyone. We have been buying presents for our boys since June. Few things each month so the cost doesn't become intense towards Christmas. I've purchased everything for our younger two boys. My 7 year old is a bit more difficult but nearly coming up with his list. I feel very sad this year as my 7 year old is going to his dads to stay on Xmas eve for the first time. We have been separated for 5 years but he's never wanted him Xmas day due to working but this year he does. Of course I've said yes and making it exciting for my 7 year old who is actually not wanting to go as he wants to be with his brothers!
No matter what your situation, you make the best of the situation 😊

Strange to say but Christmas seems to come round so quickly these past few years.

It just seems stressful having to buy people presents. Not knowing what to get etc.

Usually our Halloween decorations are up by now but I CBA.

I always love Christmas. But yes, this year seems more.... something.

I've even bought some new decorations to add to my existing ones to really get into it.

I think it's so sweet that your son is keeping the magic alive for his sister. As an adult, I know the presents are supposed to be the point of Santa, but for me I think the best part is the mass conspiracy amongst parents older children, teachers, you name it, to keep the magic going for the children who believe. All these people going out of their way to create a wonderful magical experience for little kids? THAT'S the magic.
And I guess that could be the angle you take with your kids when they're officially in the know - that while they're not going to receive gifts from Santa, they are now part of a vast, global network that makes the magic happen for younger children!

I'm really looking forward to it too.. we cut back buying gifts a couple of years ago, so we only buy token gifts for the children in the family and my children who are still believers only ask for 1 gift from Santa and both of them have chose something that's under £20 so I'm fortunate that it won't be too expensive - I've been saving a little all year too.
We will spend December watching films, baking, playing games and visiting family. I bought some new decorations in the January sales so I'm excited to get those out and decorate our home!
I just love to see the excitement on my children's faces, every Sunday in December we have movie night with a Christmas film, popcorn and hot chocolates.. it's one of my favourite traditions watching a festive movie with the twinkling tree lights on.

Good for you op. Make the most of every moment you have with your dc.

I am hoping the cost of living crisis will help us all return to the point of christmas, which is good will, kindness and high spirits/full hearts and not plastic over priced laplands, piles of useless tat and ghastly pantos etc. I feel Christmas has been kidnapped and capitalised, when in fact it cost very little to enjoy a real Christmas.

I felt depressed about the colder and darker days of Autumn last week, so I made a huge and beautiful wreath for the door and decorated the house with pine cones and pumpkins in different colours. I put some music on and felt much much better!

The 'magic' of Christmas is absolutely real and I agree OP, I'm more excited than usual. We're hosting 16 for Xmas dinner and I've saved carefully all year to afford it comfortably.

We're donating to our local food bank, toy drive and Salvation Army to try and help those who aren't as fortunate this year.

The kids are also having a much pared-back gift selection to previous years where I've gone way overboard. 2 main gifts and a stocking each.

I'm most excited for all the little get togethers in the run up to and after the day itself. We're meeting loads of different family members over the weeks, some we've not seen in 3+ years.

I'm already fighting myself not to get the Xmas mugs out of the loft

I am really excited op! We have had a few terrible years personally with hubbys job being very uncertain and a massive issue that had been ongoing for a good few years in the background causing us much misery. Yes money will be tight and the bills will keep coming but DH has got a wonderful new job starting In January and are other issue has been resolved. I get this isn't a big deal for other but for the first time in years I have a sense of contentment and I'm really looking forward to some lovely family time albeit with a lot less presents but I'm delighted!!

Cannot wait to start getting the house decorated and planning our menus. I'm very excited!!!

YES! Our DC 2&1 and while they won't fully understand, we're so looking forward to the excitement when we decorate the tree, then seeing all the presents under the tree, watching Christmas movies together with some hot chocolate 🥰

And don't listen to the negative nellys OP!
I still believed in Santa when I was 14 (NT) and to some degree, still do! I don't see any problem with trying to keep some magic alive in kids lives, even if it's only for a few weeks a year!

Last year was awful for us, because my husband's beloved grandma was dying in a hospital in covid ward. We both were really tearful, and our thoughts were far away, just couldn't be bothered with Christmas. I am quite excited about this year, hoping for a nice time. Grandma died on 30th of December, so my husband might not be in the mood to celebrate New Year's Eve as memories will be back, but I don't like this post-Christmas time anyway and grandma's passing only added to why I hate these few days. I hate New Year too... sorry, probably not the post you were looking for. But yes, I am pretty excited for Christmas, and I want to make the most of it.

I can’t say I’m more excited but I really enjoy the run up to it. The smell of the Christmas trees, all the lights, I love decorating the house, making wreaths and wrapping presents.

I can’t wait. For the first time since covid we should (fingers crossed) have everyone we normally have. So there should be 25 of us this year.

We’re just praying for no last minute covid test results to scupper us (we have a very vulnerable family member so we’re all very cautious, but also aware we may not have many Christmases with them so it’s a balance).

I'm excited for Christmas this year!
Financially things are in a better place for us - dh's business is doing really well. It's been a long hard year at work & we're ready for some time off & indulgence.
We have small families & don't buy for friends so our main focus is on our own immediate family. We love to spoil each other & dd & this doesn't always mean v expensive things but well thought out meaningful gifts
I love Christmas

Yes because it's my DD first Christmas! I know she won't understand or care but I'm excited to start some little traditions with her etc. She is also the first (and likely only) grandchild on either side so everyone is excited.