How do you make christmas special when..

[p-nut]

How do you make Christmas special when your eleven year old no longer believes in santa and turns twelve six days later? It seems so hard this year. She is an only child and we are far from any other family. HELP!!!!!

 

[dianeschlicht]

Even when our kids were grown, they still got "Santa" gifts. Now that they have flown the nest, we, of course, do our usual gifts to each other on Christmas Eve, and have special stockings for everyone on Christmas Day. Just because they know Mom and Dad buy the gifts shouldn't make a difference. We also have traditions of making gingerbread houses etc each year. Our family is small too, but any holiday can still be special.

 

[Nuts4Disney]

I hope this comes out right!

It must be hard to realize that your DD has grown beyond Santa. I suppose this is the time to start new traditions that have meaning for you as a family...perhaps celebrating the deeper meaning of Christmas beyond Santa Claus.

I hope you enjoy this new opportunity to grow as a family.
Happy Holidays!

 

[grinningghost]

We also have an only child, and I know what you mean. Once Santa was out of the picture, we wondered what we could do to make her holiday more exciting. But in the end, it worked itself out and now she is just super well behaved during the holiday season, because she knows mom and dad are buying the presents.

 

[mamajoan]

She is at a great age to show her how she can be a Santa to others. Kids like to help other kids. Maybe you can do something for the Toy's for Tots campaign? You are in Yuma.. are you all stationed at the Marine Corps base there?
She can also do Christmas Caroling with the local youth groups or church groups.. Have a party for her friends.. make it cold in your house if possible.. wear sweaters and mittens.. toast marshmallo's and make Christmas cookies. Start your own traditions.
Ex-marine wife here who has spent almost all of her "adult" Christmas's away from immediate family...
Happy Holidays!

 

[dianeschlicht]

Nuts4Disney,
Thanks for saying what I wanted to but couldn't find the words for. Gifts are really only a small part of how we celbrate the birth of Christ. Perhaps a good way would be to all 3 go to a homeless shelter and help serve the Christmas meal. It is a real eye opener and a LOT of fun!

 

[Marion]

We have 3 teens so we went through the periods of the older ones keeping the magic alive for the youngest which was fun. When the "baby" stopped believing nothing really changed for us except the letters to Santa and leaving out the cookies. We still do stockings and exchange "Santa" gifts (just something small and fun or something for the whole family like a board game). We still read Twas the Night Before Christmas before bed on the 24th, and watch holiday favourites together like Miracle on 34th Street and The Grinch (the REAL one not the remake). I guess what I'm saying is that as you move into a new phase you evolve new traditions....it just happens

Happy Holidays

 

[p-nut]

Thanks for all of the great ideas.

nutsfordisney- she has always known the true meaning of Christmas. I understand what you mean though

Mamajoan- No we are not stationed at the marine base. We are retired Army. There is an Army base just outside of town where both DH and I work. Wish we could have retired close to home.

Everyone has given me such great ideas thank you very much

 

[Nuts4Disney]

Originally posted by p-nut
Thanks for all of the great ideas.

nutsfordisney- she has always known the true meaning of Christmas. I understand what you mean though

Mamajoan- No we are not stationed at the marine base. We are retired Army. There is an Army base just outside of town where both DH and I work. Wish we could have retired close to home.

Everyone has given me such great ideas thank you very much

p-nut:
I'm happy that you understand what I meant. I know what a sensitive subject this can be.

Happy Holidays!

 

[Spinning]

Time for new traditions. Go out Christmas eve or the week before and pick out new Pj's to wear. Create some wonderful treat in the kitchen and only make it for Christmas each year, play Chirstmas music while baking. Contiue with some of the Santa traditions, like filling the stocking but let her fill yours! See who can find the silliest stuff.
Feed the homeless, help with an Angel tree party, visit shut ins.
Pick out one of the great Christmas classics and watch it together with hot chocolate as both of you wrap gifts.
Pull out old holiday pictures and start a scrap book! A wonderful way to relive the past Christmas's and preserve the pictures!
Have a formal picture taken...Drive around looking for the house with the most lights.
I hate to think I will soon be in your shoes. Kids grow up so fast.
Right now they love Santa and the magic. My son's birthday is Jan. 7th and mine is Dec. 28th so I know how hard it is to make birthday's special!
have you thought about taking her out to a tea house for her birthday. Get all dressed up!
Have fun!