Why this mum isn’t going to tell her kids it’s Christmas Eve
A mother has faced scrutiny over her controversial decision to not tell her children it’s Christmas Eve.
Posting under the username “Mama Hechtick”, the mum asked for people’s opinions on parenting forum Mumsnet, as she explained that her reasoning behind not telling her children it’s Christmas Eve is, so they could have a good night’s sleep.
“I have this idea, that for this year we won’t tell DC [Dear Children] it’s Christmas Eve,” wrote the mum. “We don’t do Christmas Eve boxes and they are usually disinterested in their advent calendars by mid-December so don’t really countdown as such.”
According to the mum, her children, who are aged five and six, are unable to rest before Christmas day due to the sheer excitement. She plans to hide the fact that it’s Christmas Eve and wake them up early the next day and tell them it’s Christmas, as she believes that is more exciting.
“I’m thinking that waking them up early and telling them it’s Christmas morning will be a far bigger and exciting surprise,” she explains.
“Would I be unreasonable or mean for doing this,” she asks.
“I think it’s the only year we’d get away with it. We don’t have any plans for Christmas Eve except a fairly quiet day with just us at home. Friends I’ve briefly discussed this with seem a bit off with it.”
But her question had many parents disagreeing with the decision.
“I wouldn’t,” said one mum. “The build-up is so exciting for children, don’t take that away from them.”
“Waiting for Santa is half the fun,” says another. “I think it seems a bit mean.”
“Don’t you put out milk and biscuits for Santa and a carrot for the reindeer, or track Santa online, watch a Christmas movie or read the night before Christmas?” asked one mum. “It’s not something I would miss out on but if you don’t do anything at all then why not?”
“You can’t do that,” said another. “When I was a kid, I was so excited for Christmas Eve. Trying to stay awake to see Santa, the excitement of the next day, don’t take that away from them just so they get a good night sleep.
“Kids aren’t kids for long, let them enjoy the build-up and don’t suck the fun out of it.”
What do you think? Do you think the mum should keep Christmas Eve from her kids? Let us know in the comments below.