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Christmas

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Original poster

Will a toddler notice or care if we skip Christmas?

56 replies

Inyournewdress · 04/12/2022 15:51

I am really not feeling up to creating Christmas at the moment for various reasons. If I just skip it and don’t decorate etc this year will a 20mo care or even notice? I am thinking probably not. On Christmas Day we will visit a relative and she will have a few presents.

OP posts:
Clymene · 04/12/2022 15:52

No she won't notice or care. Sorry you're not feeling it. Be kind to yourself.

TheShellBeach · 04/12/2022 15:56

A child of this age will not notice.

Original poster
Inyournewdress · 04/12/2022 15:57

Thank you so much, this makes me feel better x

OP posts:
HaveANiceFuckingDay · 04/12/2022 15:58

A child that age won't notice . Look after yourself

clouise89 · 04/12/2022 16:01

A child this age definitely won’t notice, take care of yourself , sending virtual mumsnet hugs xx

RedHelenB · 04/12/2022 16:02

You might regret not doing it. I'd try and do something at home, you might find it cheers you up a bit

JFDIYOLO · 04/12/2022 16:15

Little one won't notice or miss it. Will notice if you're unhappy, stressed, anxious though ... Is there anything you need to work through?

Y7drama · 04/12/2022 16:16

No they won’t notice, I hope you’re ok 💐

TimBoothseyes · 04/12/2022 16:16

No they won't notice, care or remember what you did this Christmas. Spend Christmas the way that you want to and do it without guilt or regrets.

goodnightsugarpop · 04/12/2022 16:17

Mine was 20 months last Xmas and had no idea what was going on. He seemed to enjoy seeing his aunties and being allowed to eat chocolate, and he liked the 2 or 3 new toys he got on the day but he didn't have any understanding of what Christmas is or why it's exciting. Very different this year at 2.5 (though he's totally confused when I try to explain that xmas is one special day, as they've been doing xmas things at nursery for over a week already)

darjeelingrose · 04/12/2022 16:27

No, they absolutely will not notice. They may notice having a more relaxed parent, so if not celebrating Christmas is what you need to do, you should just do it.

JuneOsborne · 04/12/2022 16:27

They won't notice, but you'll remember it and possibly feel a bit sad about it in years to come. Could you do a super small scaled back Christmas thing for the two of you? A small tree, or some tinsel?

Obviously I have no idea what's going on with you and my suggestion may be a pile of shit, in which case, I'm sorry.

I think we've lost sight of what Christmas is about. It isn't about all the stuff, is it? So don't feel the pressure in that way, but making it cozy and a touch Christmassy at home may lift your spirits a bit.

Bewitched005 · 04/12/2022 16:28

No, a 20 month old child would never be aware if Christmas didn't happen.
Take care of yourself.

CarefreeMe · 04/12/2022 16:34

No a toddler don’t notice or care but you will and it might make you feel guilty (not that it should).

If you can afford it id put some cheap tinsel up and buy her a present to wrap and some chocolates for yourself and then on Xmas day you can snuggle up and watch a Xmas film when you’re back.

Christmas doesn’t need all the tat to be special.

Our favourite tradition is going for a walk on Xmas eve to see all of the Xmas lights and then coming home and having a hot chocolate with our blanket on the sofa.

PotteringAlonggotkickedoutandhadtoreregister · 04/12/2022 16:36

They won’t; but you will know and ultimately I suspect it will make you feel worse not better. what if you’re not feeling it next year? Or the year after?

you're a parent now. It’s Christmas. This is “fake it til you make it” territory. Tree up, something to unwrap.

ratmatazz · 04/12/2022 16:37

Seeing a relative and having some presents is perfectly Christmassy enough for a toddler. Could you manage one outing to a local garden centre beforehand? They always have decorations etc and you don't have to do anything except walk them round

Apollonia1 · 04/12/2022 16:39

Mine were 22 months last Christmas, and definitely would not have known or cared if I had ignored Christmas.

Now, a year later, they know all about Santa, Christmas trees, lights, presents etc.

Onthecuspofabreakthrough · 04/12/2022 16:40

If the child is in nursery, they will notice.
it's not all or nothing. A very basic artificial tree, some are prelit.
One gift or stocking on Christmas morning.
Job done.

1983Louise · 04/12/2022 16:41

She won't understand or even notice, don't upset yourself, hopefully you can celebrate Christmas next year with her x

Rinatinabina · 04/12/2022 16:43

Nah, DD didn’t notice last year. At 3 she’s noticed.

Oblomov22 · 04/12/2022 16:45

Probably won't notice much. But it does seem a shame. It's still very early, only the first weekend of December. Hopefully you feel better next week, then a couple of presents, a stocking put up, takes very little effort.

PorridgewithQuark · 04/12/2022 16:45

A 20 month old won't notice (a 2 and a bit year old who goes to nursery might, a 3 year old almost certainly would if at preschool).

I'd put a little artificial tree up as little toddlers really like the lights (you can get ones with integrated lights - a table top one if you have a suitable side table can be an easy option) and it might lift your mood seeing your child enjoy it, but no need for presents or a big fuss for a child so young if you don't want to.

Next year at least one present would be a good idea as by next year you can bet someone will ask your child what they got for Christmas.

I hope you feel better soon!

Bakergram · 04/12/2022 16:49

I'm sorry to hear it's a stressful time just now. My DS didn't have a clue at for his first 2 Christmas'. By 3 he was more with it in terms of expectations. Cut yourself some slack and do what you need to do to feel better.

LadyKenya · 04/12/2022 16:49

No, they would not have a clue at that age. If you are not feeling it, you do not have to do anything.

fortheloveofcheesecake · 04/12/2022 16:50

I did something similar when my child was about 2. I was stressed, unhappy, overwhelmed and struggling mentally at the time. We just avoided Christmas. Had a walk and nice buffet food on the actual day with a few presents for them. It was a great day actually. Sending you good wishes OP and hope things look up for you.