To tell or not to tell

[tarheelmjfan]

I have several surprises for my DS(12) for our upcoming trip. We always do our version of the 12 days of Christmas for him. I have planned to give him the special ticket or gift, the day of the surprise, so he wakes up each morning with the excitement of seeing what we have planned for the day (i.e. give him his ticket to Wonder Works & laser tag, the day we plan to go). Now I'm 2nd guessing myself and wondering if I should go ahead and start giving him the surprises earlier, to build up the excitement of the trip. What would you do? TIA

 

[minkydog]

We planned a Christmas trip two years ago and didn't tell the kids. They were 16,8 & 6 at the time. We told them that we weren't going to be buying any big toys or games, but that they would be getting some nice things. Then we bought the two older kids WDW travel books and some Disney dollars, and bought everyone a Mickey shirt from the disney store. We put all this into a large box, with some disposable cameras, some water bottles and sunscreen. Last we put a Mickey helium balloon in with a tag that said, " ______ Family: You're going to Disney World!"

On Christmas Day, they opened all their little things first. Then we had them open the big box. as soon as the top opened that balloon floated up. They really didn't get it at first--all they saw was T-shirts and water bottles. We finally had to show them the tickets and they WENT CRAZY! It was the best surprise we ever pulled off.

 

[sunny04]

I think your original idea was better. It will be more fun for you and him to have surprises each day. You will get to see his excitement every day of your trip instead of just once telling him the whole thing. Plus he'll be able to completely enjoy each day instead of looking ahead to what's next.