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Original poster

Dad doesn't see point of taking 6 month old to see father christmas

79 replies

Suzy4321 · 26/11/2015 10:59

Hi, my husband is great with our daughter (6months old today). But I booked too see Santa and he thinks it's a waste of time and money. He doesn't really see the point. I know she won't know but I want a first photo etc , but he is so negative. Even down to presents he says she has lots of toys why buy more for Christmas. She don't know. Please understand he is great with her and always buying bits and playing with her. Feeling down with trying to convince him! I want him to come along but i don't want him moaning. Anyone been in similar situations?

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KP86 · 26/11/2015 11:15

I'm with you OP! First Christmas photos are magical. DS was about 7 months for his, and it stayed on our fridge for ages. It is a wonderful way for us to look back (this year is only his second Christmas but I don't think he will go to Santa as he's a bit clingy and anxious about strangers right now).

As for presents, we only bought DS one small cheap toy, and a few little clothes etc as stocking stuffers. We got photos of him and DH opening a present first thing in the morning which I also treasure. He got sooo much from everyone else.

LauraChant · 26/11/2015 11:16

I agree with Maryz. We didn't do a stocking for DS1's first Christmas, and didn't even think about a visit to Santa - I'm not sure we actually got him a present either, although he had plenty from others. But if doing so would have made DH happy I wouldn't have had a problem with it, and vice versa I'm sure.

YouMakeMyDreams · 26/11/2015 11:17

Agree it's ok to say that you want to do this and you want him to come for you. It is just a photo op that's fine. There is nothing wrong with that.
Dd's first photo with Santa was taken at 9 weeks old. We were passing him and it was a quiet week day and my mum asked if he would hold her for a picture. He was absolutely delighted and now she is 13 and the same height as me I love that picture even more.
Do agree about the presents though. I tended to go for more practical things at that age. Ds2 was 6 months exactly his first Christmas and he got a few wee cheap toys and some next size clothes etc. Trust me other people will go over board and you will look back and be glad you didn't.

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Whatthefreakinwhatnow · 26/11/2015 11:19

milk has it spot on! DD1 was the same age at her first Xmas and I bowed to pressure to take her - she absolutely hated it! Much better to wait a couple of years so she has some understanding and can enjoy it

headexplodesbodyfreezes · 26/11/2015 11:20

I'm with him on this.

Helmetbymidnight · 26/11/2015 11:20

That photo is wonderful, Milk. Captures the spirit of Christmas so well

CheekyMaleekey · 26/11/2015 11:24

It's stupid taking a baby to see Santa. Just really meaningless and stupid.

Bragadocia · 26/11/2015 11:24

I'm with your DH also on this, and wouldn't do it myself (not give much in the way of presents for a baby, unless there are older children in the family too, who can enjoy the experience of the baby having gifts).

However, many of us do lots of things that aren't strictly speaking for the benefit of our babies. If it gives you enjoyment, go for it. I imagine DH's reluctance might have put a downer on things for you now, though.

TheJiminyConjecture · 26/11/2015 11:25

I think if he's complaining about the cost then that's potentially a valid point. £100+ for a big fancy experience is completely different to a couple of quid at a garden centre. I'm with you though DD2 is 6 months today and I can't wait for both kids to see Father Christmas

MackerelOfFact · 26/11/2015 11:28

You realise Santa isn't real, right? It's just some random old man dressed up and holding your baby?

RiverTam · 26/11/2015 11:28

It may we'll be for the OP but many small children and babies fund Santa really quite frightening. Why would you want to risk that with such a tiny child for a photo op?

FWIW DD hated Santa until she turned 5.

Branleuse · 26/11/2015 11:30

your dh is right, sorry

Redglitter · 26/11/2015 11:36

One of my friends is Santa at a large shopping centre and he's hardly had any 'screamers' lots of little ones seem fascinated

One tip he does do though with very young ones is habe the parents hand baby to him backwards - parents facing him baby with its back to him iyswim. That way they don't see him looming towards them and 9/10 the elves can get a good photo before any tears start

Lozza1990 · 26/11/2015 11:39

There is no point of spoiling them at this age, would you not rather wait until they can at least understand what presents they've got, who Father Christmas is etc. her first photo with him she will have no idea what's going on rather than genuinely being excited.

CocktailQueen · 26/11/2015 11:40

She is too young - and she will probably cry and hate being plonked on some stranger's knee. My dc hated FC for - ooh - years.

Why not take a special set of first Xmas photos with her lying by your Christmas tree/decorated with tinsel/in a Xmas outfit etc? :)

Ilikedmyoldusernamebetter · 26/11/2015 11:40

He's absolutely right you know - in the nicest possible way taking a 6 month old to see Father Christmas is all about you and not about her or his parenting what so ever Take her yourself if you want the picture, I'm sure your DD won't mind as long as she's not afraid of people with masks or beards like one of mine was from babyhood til about the age of 5 its absolutely a harmless bit of fun but its for you not DD and your DH is not being a bad dad not playing along :o

WoodHeaven · 26/11/2015 11:41

Whether a photo with Santa is a good idea or not isn't the point though.
The OP really wants that. Her DH doesn't see the point.
How much does it cost him to still go along and smile? There are plenty of things I do with DH because he wants to do it and I'm not that keen. But I know he enjoys it. And same the other way around.

Photos of a first christmas and giving them gifts? Again, people have different ideas.
BUT if you ever hace another child, how are you going to explain that your dc2 has had photos and toys for their first Christams but not dc1? (Because you will as your dc1 wouldn't understand why dsibling doesn't have anything from Santa)

RJnomore1 · 26/11/2015 11:41

He is right but that isn't the point at all. What a pile of grinches on this thread!

Op go, enjoy, if he doesn't go I'll bet he's sorry at some point.

wigglesrock · 26/11/2015 11:44

I'm with your husband too, my eldest was 6 months at Christmas. My mother was insistent that the Santa photo was important - I'll be kind and say the outing didn't go well. The screaming and crying was mostly shared between me and my Mum .

With regards to presents, I think we wrapped up a few bits and pieces - bath toys, stacking cups, books.

My youngest is now 4, she has already stated loudly and in front of her Nana that she doesn't want to see Santa, that she doesn't like getting her photo taken, that her Christmas spirit is already being tested by the school nativity play she's a fast learner

liquidrevolution · 26/11/2015 11:47

I took DD at six months. She screamed her bloody head off! Hoping she is better this year . What about an alterntive like going to see the christmas lights?

I also agree about toys. She will get so many from everyone else. Use this year and the next 2 (hopefully) to not spend on your DC. Or do as we do and buy something practical instead (this year is a table and chairs for her and we are making a play corner, for her birthday in the summer we created a garden for her to grow plants in as she gets older).

ouryve · 26/11/2015 11:47

I don't see the point, either. There's galleries all over t'Internet of kids bawling their eyes out next to "Santa". If you're lucky, you might get one of your own.

MilkTwoSugarsThanks · 26/11/2015 11:48

I have some lovely photos of DS's 1st Christmas - but none taken at a Santa Meet n Greet.

WorldsBiggestGrotbag · 26/11/2015 11:49

I agree with your DH. DD2 will be 6 months at Christmas. I've violet for DD1 (2yo) to go and see Father Christmas and arranged a babysitter for DD2 so I don't have to subject her to it. Also not really buying her anything, just wrapping up a couple of books so DD1 doesn't ask why DD2 hasn't got presents. There's plenty of time for Father Christmas visits and present piles!

mmmuffins · 26/11/2015 11:50

I agree with your DH.

Original poster

Suzy4321 · 26/11/2015 11:52

That's it wood heaven. I know she won't get it or probably like it. But I will remember it. It's my first Christmas as a mummy. It's £6. And as for presents I mean little cheap things. Hardly going to be getting her an iPad! But something so I can have picture of her opening first Christmas present . I do lots of things I don't see the point of for him why should I feel bad about doing this. I agree she won't understand and probably not enjoy it but she might. Otherwise what's the point of doing anything with them. She won't remember anything that I've taken her to see or do so does that mean I leave her to roll around in a room until she is older??? People take babies on holiday or to the zoo. Is this wrong??? Because the baby won't remember.

OP posts:

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