Present from Father Christmas may not arrive in time

[User125179313]

My DS (11) has asked for a football shirt from Father Christmas but I don't think it's going to arrive in time for Christmas. I'm not sure he even still believes in Santa. He hasn't said he doesn't although I think he may still be going along with it for his little sister but either way, I'm carrying on as if he does. The shirt was meant to arrive early December but estimated delivery is now 21st December and they've said cannot guarantee delivery before Christmas. No where else seems to have it in stock. I was going to have 'Santa', leave DS a note apologising for the late delivery of his present but I don't know what to say. Any ideas or suggestions please?

p.s only nice comments please. I'm not asking for anyone's opinion on whether an 11 year old should still believe in Santa or if we should just tell him outright

If it does arrive leave an IOU note what else can you do

I'd leave a note from Santa as you suggested and say the elves have run into problems or something along that line. Bless you it's so hard when things like this happen!

Oh dear one of my elves forgot to put your football shirt on the sleigh! I am very sorry! I will get it to you as soon as I can. Hoo hoo hoo have a very merry Christmas!

Maybe a little box with a letter from Santa and picture of item or some other little token you are able to get your hands on like a key ring of the shirt / mug/ mini figure etc? If he doesn't believe in Santa he will likely still appreciate it.

At 11, he may or not believe… so a token present with a note form santa saying the elves are really sorry and it’s already on the post… and in the meantime enjoy “x present”
you can even print out a pic of what he’s getting and make it a funny note

Love the ideas - thank you! x

Print a picture of the shirt with a note saying its on its way and place in a nice christmas box. It'll be something to look forward to arriving when he's still of school and the day itself is over.

I wouldn't wait until Christmas day - I would start now. Tell him you have had a message from FC and there is a chance that his present may not arrive on time but it's definitely on its way. I would have thought at the age of 11 he is young enough to be disappointed when he opens the box to find an IOU unless he has had some sort of warning that it might happen. And if it doesn't arrive then leave him a note - but don't put it in a box! Imagine his disappointment when he unwraps a shirt sized parcel to find a note!

We did a photograph as an IOU but also started making little comments about how tough it is for Father Christmas to get certain items in time etc. DS3 was absolutely fine about it all.