Family Christmas Time

Shortstack06 · August 2014

I am due (1/1) but will will probably go early and I keep getting comments from my mom "I hope the baby is here for Christmas!". I have two scenarios here that I am anticipating for 12/25. 1. I am 39 weeks huge, staying home because going out to our usual 6 stops sounds like it will be miserable 2. I will have a new born that I don't want passed around with 50+ people in one day during the height of flu/whooping cough season so I will stay home and let immediate family come to me if they want to see the baby instead of us going to 6 different places. My husband agrees (more because he hates going to that many different places). Has any other mom's thought about how to celebrate the holiday pregnant/with a newborn yet? Or is it just us?

jayellekay · August 2014

@alissendis, You are brave hosting the holidays with a Christmas due date!

Our families are all 12-16 hours away. My parents are flying in on December 23, so they will be here, but we won't do anything big. My mom will cook for us, and we'll open gifts on Christmas morning. The end.

All that assuming I am not in the hospital then! If I am, they'll improvise, and someone better bring me delicious food after I deliver! haha

RayRay007 · August 2014

Our babies will be at least 5 weeks old at Christmas, so at least I won't be 40 weeks pg or have a 1 week old. That being said, we are staying at home and people can come visit if they want. We even suggested that the ILs can "host" Christmas dinner at our house - ie. bring all the groceries and do all the work at our house so we don't have to pack up three kids. Everyone is on board so far!

mlee116 · August 2014

I am due 12/31, but probably having a RCS a week or so before. We usually trade off Christmas between my family and DH's family. However, DH's family lives over an hour away and although I'm sure it would be fine, I just don't want to deal with riding that long or spending the entire day there. So this year we are doing Thanksgiving with his family and then Christmas with mine, who live about 10 minutes away.

If I somehow have a baby before then, I don't know that I'd go anywhere because I'd still be recovering from the surgery. I'd be ok with a few family members visiting though.

Shortstack06 · August 2014

I am glad others have been thinking about it also.

@alissendis my MIL got told her Leukemia was back on Tuesday and has been admitted for an induction of chemo again (she will be in the hospital continuously for at least 5 weeks this treatment) so depending on how her treatments go and if she is in the hospital, I know that may change my plans to stay home. I hope your mother does well, if you ever need an ear or anything, don't hesitate to message me I will gladly listen!

Edit: Posted early

abcmom12 · August 2014

my due date is the 15th, so baby will be two weeks old by Christmas morning. My DH's family is coming down from a neighboring state (3-4hr drive) for a few days and my bro and new sister-in-law plus their baby boy may also be in town from NC.

Since my mom's birthday is the 24th, we'll prob do stockings at our house, then a late morning present opening at their house with everyone the following day. As long as no one is sick or has been around sick ppl lately, and they wash their hands, they can hold baby for a few mins but I expect to be holding her or my DH mostly.

kelsz12 · August 2014

I am due on 12/20 and my husband and I have accepted the fact that we will likely be spending Christmas in the hospital and people can visit us as they please, or that we will be at home as a new family of three (still welcoming any guests that may want to come by). Our families live close enough that they can come visit if they would like to, but they know we won't be upset if they don't. I have no intentions of getting a newborn out in what will likely be a snowy/frigid holiday if we can avoid it.

LSauer21 · August 2014

We usually have Christmas Eve at our house only 10-15 ppl. The baby is due Dec 7, I don't think we'll be having much of anything this year.

perfectlove09 · August 2014

With DD she was born on 12/14. We went to my parents on Christmas Eve (or christmas I forget now) and also to DH's parents. At my parents house it was only my mom, step dad, brother sister and SIL. At DH's parent's it was just his parents and his grandma. I don't think we even stayed long...I'm trying to remember back and my god I can't lol.

This year I'm due the 1st of the year. I really don't think I'll have any problem traveling to our families homes for christmas regardless of how pregnant I am. It's not hard to sit on a couch and open presents or sit at a diner table and eat lol. Granted DD Was due the 19th and I had her the 14th so being due 1/1 there is a good chance I'll be in the hospital having a baby on the 24/25. We shall see.

Both of our parents live just miles away. And now that I Think about it...we were like 2 hours late to my mom's that first year lol. Getting out of the home with a 1 week old was not easy for us.

perfectlove09 · August 2014

sorry OP I just realized I didn't really offer you any help. I'd say 6 stops in one day is nuts lol. Even though you'll be 39 weeks pregnant you probably won't be a lump on a stump :-) Getting up and in a car only takes so much effort. I would not want to get in and out of said car 6 times though. Can you coral any of those 6 stops together? Make 2 stops instead?

If baby is already here...stay home, lol, that's a lot of people to have a new baby around and a lot of work for new tired parents

marriedinaugust · August 2014

I'm due 12/20 and we are in WA with no family around. My family is in KS and his is in CA. We just moved here so normally we are in CA with his family and then travel to KS to visit in January. This year anyone who wants to come will be traveling here, most likely my mom, MIL and SIL if not others. I have a 4yr old so I will welcome the company whenever it gets here and for however long they stay. They are all in education so they can only visit over winter break do I'm hoping I don't go early like last time so I have someone to watch DS while I'm in labor. Otherwise he will be witnessing the miracle of childbirth first hand!

My sister went into labor while at Christmas Eve with my Dad's side of the family. She stayed through it and then went to the hospital either late that night or Christmas morning. My mom, dad and little sister were there all day with her. My little sister still calls it the worst Christmas ever

She was pretty young and bummed to miss out on the usual huge Christmas gathering.

Shortstack06 · August 2014

@perfectlove09‌ I wish I could combine them all. I used to get up at 6 A.M. to go to my sister' sand watch her twins open gifts. Last year was the first year I stopped and it was a crime. At my parents my sisters and their families all go ( they are half, to my dad's first marriage) which ends up 12 not including us. But they don't go to my mom's side and so forth through all stops. And hearing how other mom's handle holidays is a huge help. I am dreading it.

RayRay007 · August 2014

Halsing said:

RayRay007 said:

Our babies will be at least 5 weeks old at Christmas, so at least I won't be 40 weeks pg or have a 1 week old. That being said, we are staying at home and people can come visit if they want. We even suggested that the ILs can "host" Christmas dinner at our house - ie. bring all the groceries and do all the work at our house so we don't have to pack up three kids. Everyone is on board so far!

Out of curiosity, how did you suggest that to them? We have family that is 3 hours away and while I don't mind them visiting/having Christmas at our house, I know I'm not going to be up for hosting at that point, and I don't feel comfortable traveling that far with a new baby (we are due 12/5) in possibly bad weather. Plus, I'm guessing they'll all come to visit shortly after the baby is born, so I feel awkward basically saying that either they need to come here for christmas prepared to do the majority of the meal or plan to not see us.

I think we were talking about not leaving the house at Christmas so if they wanted to see us they'd have to come to our house, but that we wouldn't be up for cooking or doing anything special, and the suggestion just naturally arose from that.

SuzieHomefaker · August 2014

I'm due on 12/24, but I usually deliver about three weeks early...so mostly I'm hoping that I don't deliver on my ex-husband's 12/2 birthday.

That said, I'm really hoping that I go early enough to be home from the hospital by Christmas Eve or hold out long enough to get through Christmas Day. We won't travel to see any family or anything like that for the holidays, but we've got five kids who aren't being born on Christmas so we have to make sure everything is still good for them. Well, really, four of our kids are basically grown (17-21), but the littlest (for now) is 7 and Christmas is still a big deal for her.

Matter of fact, she asked me the other day if we were going to all be spending Christmas Eve in the hospital. I told her I certainly hoped not.

Mrw218 · August 2014

So a guy at work told me I CAN'T bring a newborn out around other ppl bc they can't take meds for two months so it is risky with sickness. Thoughts? Is this true? Overly paranoid? Should I tell ppl they have to come to me and only if feeling well. Do I literally confine myself with baby to the house for two months? I was sort of surprised to hear a child veteran tell me something like that.

bombe4 · August 2014

I'm due 12/30. If this baby is anything like DD and 5 days early I will be in the hospital on Christmas. I really hope that doesn't happen because this is the first year DD will understand Christmas more and I want it to be special for her. Depending on how I feel we will likely see DH's family on Christmas Eve and mine on Christmas day. My parents are a lot closer to our hospital than DH's family. If baby girl is here by Christmas we will not be going anywhere and people can come and visit us if they want. And if they do, they better bring food lol

JunkieBrewster · August 2014

I am not worrying about it too much.

If we have the baby early, I will go where there is food. I am not terribly worried about germs etc and I don't plan to spend any set amount of time in the house, just like I didnt with my first.

In public, we use a sling, at family's houses we make people wash hands.

SerenityAE · August 2014

I'm not too too worried about it. I'm due on the 13th but still not planning to go anywhere. Me and SO both hate huge social gatherings and would rather a quiet holiday at home.

We *might* go to the in-laws for dinner simply because his mom cant get out easily, but it would be just them and us three.

My sister, nephew, and grandma will probably come over, which is fine with me because I want to be able to do gifts with my nephew.

Other than that I'm decorating (or having someone else do it while I 'dictate' from the couch on where things go) because I LOVE Christmas and then we're enjoying it just us three.

No way could I do 6 stops in one day! Even not pregnant!!

:-O

ESully11 · August 2014

My extended family and my husband's extended family both have Christmas Eve celebrations, so we usually hop between the two, then see our immediate family again on Christmas Day for presents and dinner. I'm not sure, but we'll probably skip the extended family festivities and just see immediate family on Christmas. I'm due on the 8th, so my little guy will still be little enough to worry about being around 60 people in the middle of winter. We'll see what the pediatrician recommends...and how we feel as new parents!

JRod13 · August 2014

If baby is here, we'll be chillin at the house. They can all come to us, and I'm sure they will. OP- 6 stops is crazy, especially when huge pregnant or with a tiny little newborn. Don't feel like you have to do that to yourself.

tslmom87 · August 2014

All of my family is in IL, except for my dad who lives with us. My due date is dec 29th, I don't plan on seeing baby until sometime after Jan 5( my first was a week late, im sure this one will be too) so with that said we will cook dinner at home for the 4 of us.

tslmom87 · August 2014

All of my family is in IL, except for my dad who lives with us. My due date is dec 29th, I don't plan on seeing baby until sometime after Jan 5( my first was a week late, im sure this one will be too) so with that said we will cook dinner at home for the 4 of us.

klmurner · August 2014

We put our feet down a couple years ago in anticipation of having our first babe, and stopped the 4 Dinner Dash, as I called it. This year will be DH's dad's turn for Christmas, so if the babe has arrived by then, we will be there. I anticipate some resistance from other branches of the family on our lack of showing off the new addition, but we will hold strong. The crowd usually isn't too big over there, and I hope to have this baby snuggled up in a wrap which will hopefully narrow down the germ passage. If we are in the hospital... I'd better be getting some yams hand-delivered and all the pie I want

soulcupcake · August 2014

The only family we live near-ish is my dad and stepmom, about 70 miles away, and the in-laws, about 45 minutes away. There are extended relatives about 2-4 hours away (his side). We're not going anywhere for Solstice or Christmas. I'm due at the beginning of the month, but I will not have the want or desire to "go" anywhere during that time, especially not with a newborn and three other kids. I'll be lazy and stay my ass home.

My first daughter was born in the beginning of December, and my youngest the day after Christmas. With my first, I did attend a family get-together on Christmas day, which was okay. But it's certainly not in the cards this time. If folks want to see us, they can come visit, otherwise, it's a no-go.

frenchy816 · August 2014

Both our families are in town w/the exception of my dad's family which is 1.5 hrs away and we usually celebrate with them a week later.

I'm planning on playing the holidays by ear this year. We're due 12/17, but we usually do Xmas eve with DH's family and Xmas day with my family so it's not too crazy.

I do want to go to my dad's side celebration since they won't get to see little man for a while.

jenkellen · August 2014

We made it very clear we will probably be at a hospital or staying in for Christmas. People will just have to deal with it. Our families have wanted us to have a baby for years so they can suck it up for one Christmas.

Eora3 · August 2014

My whole family is going to be spending Christmas in Disney World. We were all going to do a big family Disney Christmas cruise and vacation. Buuuuuut, I am due the first week of Dec and babies that young aren't allowed on the boat. Plus I did not relish the idea of walking around an amusement park so soon after a c-section. So my DH and the kids are staying home while my parents and sister go without us.

Honestly it will probably be nice to have a quieter holiday. My DH's family is much smaller and quieter so it will be more low key. I am sad that my family won't be around for my baby's first Christmas but I am sure we will all get together after they get back.

Chey0714 · August 2014

I'm due Christmas Day and I don't plan on having anyone except immediate family around (mom,dad,sisters) for the first couple of weeks simply because I am extremely paranoid about flu season. So yeah, I'm totally with you when it comes to not going to 6 different places.

hzander2013 · August 2014

I'm due 12/24 with my first and am actually looking at this as a fantastic "excuse" to stay home or end up at the hospital. Either way my husband and I are going to keep it as much to ourselves as we can before the trip to the hospital. Life is too short to stress and there will be plenty of future holiday celebrations to have as a big family later on. I vote to just do what you want. It's the last time you'll have that option for a while

Prinycesa07 · August 2014

Sure have thought about it. I'm due on Christmas eve and if past is an indication i go right around the time i'm due. I may be in the hospital on christmas but if not, i told my parents that they can host a christmas dinner with just our immediate family (my family, my sisters family and my brothers family) and i'm cool with that but if they host their usual christmas dinner with all 6 of her sisters and all of their kids and then their kids, which is over 50 people we will just be stopping by in the morning before everyone gets there becuase i'm not into the idea of having the baby around that many people so soon.

love2travel2014 · August 2014

I am due 12/9 so I will not be going home (1000 miles away) this year for Christmas. I am secretly hoping it's just DH, I & baby for our first Christmas. We will offer to fly MIL out right after Christmas or the new year whichever works with her work schedule!

Disneygeek77 · August 2014

Well what do you plan on doing when the baby is older ? Do you plan on dragging your kids to 6 houses on Christmas day ? If the answer is no, then you might as well rip off the bandaid now and stay home. Set a precedence.

I know growing up, we didn't travel much on Christmas day. Maybe to an Aunt's house for dinner or dessert, but for the most part we were home relaxing and playing with our new toys. After hearing other kids talk about going to 3 plus houses all in one day, I am so glad my parents didn't do that to us. Ironically enough, my dad did give me a hard time when I told him we would be staying put on Christmas morning from now on, but oh well. The world certainly didn't explode because my dad was disappointed. So at a certain point, you have to have confidence that you are doing what is best for your own little family because this is your holiday too. You guys are more than just props through which others enjoy themselves and you will just have to be ok with that fact that your families will be disappointed that you guys won't be there. Again, they are allowed to be disappointed that you won't be there, but what is more important is you, your husband and you child.

erynpdx · August 2014

Ugh. I really thought this wouldn't be a problem, and that we could just stay home as a cozy threesome this year. Well, much to my delight it looks like SO's mom is throwing a hissy fit at the idea of us not driving 4 hours to visit. I'm due the 15th so if baby is even here, she will be teeny tiny and that's just not happening. Clearly she's just going to have to build a bridge and get over it, but I'm annoyed that there might be drama brewing.

BayCamp · August 2014

Our parents all live out of state, between 10-20 hours away. I'm due 12/7, if he's close to his due date we are probably doing my cousins Christmas Eve get together since it's close by and spending Christmas Day at home with just us or whatever parent happens to be able to make it.

Nmcalhoun · August 2014

Christmas Eve is when all of my DH's family get together which is pretty many people. Then Christmas Day we visit my Mom and his Mom. However this is the first year that we'll be in our own house for Christmas since we lived out of state since we've been married. I am so excited to actually get a real tree and spend Christmas in our own place that we're not leaving. I know my Mom and sister will be visiting and his immediate family will most likely stop by. This is the one year that we're not obligated to drive house to house and I'm definitely taking advantage of it. Of course I don't want the baby around a crap ton of people either.

vintagejjane · August 2014

Our family is over 1,000 miles away in Illinois so luckily Christmas will just be us and my mom, who is traveling down for the birth. It's going to be a nice quiet Christmas!

alanier18 · August 2014

I'm due 12/3 so the baby will be a few weeks old at Christmas. I hadn't really thought about Christmas yet... Thanks guys

amylocious · August 2014

I due 12/31 and if I have not had the baby by Christmas, I plan on going to all the family events- furthest one is 45 min. away.
If baby decides to come before Christmas, everyone will just have to come to us

.

colliebabe · August 2014

We will probably play it by ear but will definitely be sticking around our area. I am due 12/20 so whether I am still pregnant or if the baby is here we will go to my family's get together on Christmas Eve and Christmas which is local. Of course there is also the chance I could be in the hospital. Honestly I am just excited I have a legitimate reason not to travel to my in-law's this year!

leoandethansmom · August 2014

LO is due 12/1 so I'm guessing by Christmas he'll be at least 3 weeks old if not more than that. ILs live about 10 minutes from our house and my family is in California. My mom missed the birth of DS because I told her I knew I wouldn't be early and I was, she's never forgiven me. That said, she'll probably be here at the end of November and stay through the birth. It helps having her in the house because she takes care of DS while we get things done, win win. Last year I had surgery on 12/23 and ILs were upset we wouldn't be attending their dinner so jokingly I said they could prepare it at our house and they actually did. It worked out really well so I'm hoping they do it again this year then we'll just do the normal presents opening with my family at our house Christmas morning. DS is old enough to understand Santa this year so I am SOOOO excited for the holidays.

Octobermommy101012 · August 2014

I am due 12-31 and we are not traveling for Christmas. I have 2 children already and I deliver very fast. I'm very happy about not traveling because my family is huge and we also have many stops to make. Even if the baby comes early and we're able to travel for the holidays we wont. Because of all of the germs!!!!!!!!

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