My son is 22, how do I make it feel like Christmas at WDW?

[Redarrow5150]

My mom has a saying on the refrigerator "Home is where Grandma is at." So I would say "Christmas is where the family is at."

 

[serene56]

We were in the world Dec 8th thru the 15th.
We live up here in PA.

Being in the world really threw us for the holidays. There was some thing very strange being in shorts and tank tops listening to chrismas music and sweating.
Sure there were trees-- but not the smell that comes with it for our holiday season.

 

[North of Mouse]

When I first read the thread I thought I was reading about a 22 month old, and I was wondering how a 22 month old could feel it wasn't Christmasy. Then I realized it was a 22 year old, and honestly I thought this was some kind of joke.

LOL, this was what my first thought was also!

 

[Mrsjvb]

after having several Christmases ruined because an adult in the family( my mother) threw hissy fits over certain things that did happen( and a few that didn't)

that I no longer actually WANT to have that old fashioned traditional family christmas. whatever the heck that is.. life is not a Norman Rockwell painting.

if the young man is going to sulk because he isn't at home that is his problem. and as the parent you are under no obligation to fawn all over him and soothe his wounded feelings.

 

[Mickeygolf]

Come on people. You folks giving parental advice like he's a 7 year old crack me up. The OP was pretty clear her son loves Disney and his family. He just doesn't get that good Christmassy feeling and so many other posters have said they feel the same way. She asked nicely for advice on what might help get that feeling instead you want to judge or tell his mom he's an adult.

Heck, we're all adults it's just too bad some don't act like it sometimes!!!

OP, I get what you're looking for and you've had some great responses. I love the rent a house idea, would never have thought of that. I'm a huge Osbourne lights fan and always feel like that gets us in the mood when we're down for the holiday. Good luck, I'm sure you'll have a GREAT time!!!

 

[FlightlessDuck]

I wouldn't want to go to WDW for Christmas, either, and I'm almost 38.

Maybe the day after, but not on Christmas. No snow, no Christmas tree, no church. What about presents? Do you bring them with you and open them? What a waste of time and energy that would be.

Plus, the crowds will be insane.

 

[mom2rtk]

OP, how many of the past 10 years have you spent Christmas at Disney?

I don't think it makes the young man selfish or entitled to want to spend Christmas with his family. And brace yourselves........... not everyone loves Disney.

My own 21 year old is not a Disney fan. So we go in early December and leave him home. But I can't imagine going on Christmas Day and leaving him home. Christmas is about family. Disney is still there other times of the year.

 

[I loveStitchnippyjon]

I wouldn't want to go to WDW for Christmas, either, and I'm almost 38.

Maybe the day after, but not on Christmas. No snow, no Christmas tree, no church. What about presents? Do you bring them with you and open them? What a waste of time and energy that would be.

Plus, the crowds will be insane.

I have to agree here. We're going to WDW second week of December to enjoy the Osborn Lights, Candlelight Processional and decor. My kids would revolt if they couldn't be home for Christmas with all the traditions, and they're in their 30's!

 

[mom2rtk]

I wouldn't want to go to WDW for Christmas, either, and I'm almost 38.

Maybe the day after, but not on Christmas. No snow, no Christmas tree, no church. What about presents? Do you bring them with you and open them? What a waste of time and energy that would be.

Plus, the crowds will be insane.

Plus, even if he decides to stay home, then he is left alone without his family on Christmas. Not a problem any other day. But a different issue on Christmas.

 

[5Hfan]

could it just be that at his age, the "magic" of Christmas is a challenge, even at home? I mean there are so few surprises, you get much more practical gifts, the wonder of it can become "been there, done that" (for Disney and Christmas). I dunno, we did a Christmas trip and came back home right in time for Christmas, and for us the let down was enormous!!

Is he interested in doing any of the planning to build the anticipation? Is there a special someone in his life his is thinking he'll be missing at the holidays? What about one of the tours? Holiday D Lights? Carriage ride? Do you live somewhere cold so he'll be missing snow? What about the ice palace place (not Disney).

I would try to figure out what he is missing, the temps, the decorations, a certain holiday meal, church etc, then try to build some events around that. And I would likely go overboard and there would be an unexpected surprise from Santa under our room tree Christmas.

 

[NYDisGuy]

Yeah, to me Christmas day is being around family, relaxing, opening gifts and ending the year on a high note. The last thing I would want to do would be to wait on line and run all over a park.

Maybe take a break from the park that day and relax? Turn on a Christmas Story on the tv and bring back food to the room? Not sure what else you can do.

 

[kristainohio]

Everyone is different. I'm a huge Christmas person...it's my favorite time of year! I would have never thought of going to disney for Christmas or even leaving home. But, you know what...last year we sold our house and due to a relocation situation we were in an awful rental. Then my parents are getting divorced after 40 years. We decided to go to disney FOR Christmas. It was absolutely a wonderful trip. We were there the 21-28 with our 2 young daughters. We felt so "Christmas-y" with all the lights, decorations and celebrations. My husband and I couldn't believe how wonderful it was! Now we are going back this year the 19-28!! But I can completely understand if someone doesn't want to be away from home...I would def ask him what would make it better for him!