Is Christmas still magical?

[Blueskies3]

Do you still enjoy Christmas now that your children are older- teenagers/adults?
Do you miss the early morning excitement from when they were little? How do you counteract that? What are your new traditions, things that you enjoy doing?

I remember my Mum not enjoying Christmas as much when I was a teenager, probably because I just wanted to talk to friends, listen to music etc.

I miss the excitement a bit but it's just as nice in a different way. It's far more chilled, less fraught. The kids have bought us some lovely, thoughtful gifts this year which has made me feel all warm and fuzzy.

I love it with teenagers. I get to chill on the sofa with a drink and chat to them instead of wrestling toys out of those bloody plastic straps, finding all the batteries, building lego all day long.

I just wish I had had at least 7 children so this phase would go in for longer!!

I'm enjoying our Christmas with 11 and 14yo boys because everyone is sane, no screaming has occurred and we are all civilised. I'm not starting to prepare dinner til at least 2pm and they can help chop and stuff. Ds2 is living in his new pj's today and why not. Ds1 is gloating over being taller than me in his new trainers. It's all just nice.

I don't miss the small child arguments and tantrums at all.

@Pascha I agree 100%. I don't find myself missing the 'magic' of the early years at all! Like, not a bit! My DH and I were talking about this yesterday, as it's been years since we felt so relaxed and calm on Xmas day.

YES!! 1000000%!

Had a lovely chilled day yesterday. The two DC and the two DN were so lovely all day. Helping out, bought mostly thoughtful gifts and all went to take the DDog for a walk after lunch.

It's just different but still very enjoyable.