Mum says she wants to cancel Christmas so she doesn't disrupt son’s sleep routine

All parents know that Christmas can be a stressful time, especially those with younger children.

From present wrapping to making sure you’ve cooked something for the little ones, the 25 December is hectic to say the least.

But one mum has divided opinion after sharing her unusual approach to Christmas this year.

Prostock-studio / Alamy Stock Photo

One mum recently took to Mumsnet to reveal she’s considering scrapping the big day altogether so that her son’s sleep isn’t interrupted.

Writing anonymously about her 20-month-old son, she explained: "Our plans were to go to the in-laws on Christmas Day and stay overnight, but due to him being able to climb out the travel cot and far too young and excitable to sleep in the bed, I want to change our plans to just an afternoon visit (maybe for dinner?) between his afternoon nap and bedtime so as not to cause any more disruptions to his routine.

"Am I being unreasonable? I feel like my in-laws will be disappointed and my partner will likely sulk, but my main excitement for Christmas is to see my little boy happy and excited and I just think that overtiredness and overstimulation could ruin that for him.”

The doting mum continued: “Also on a selfish level, it would be me that would have to battle with him for hours to nap and sleep at bedtime whilst everyone else drinks!"

Needless to say, it didn’t take long for people to share their thoughts in the comment section, with one person replying: “It's one day. Get on with it.”

Others echoed: “I really don’t see the issue,” “Just don't do this on the day. Leave him up or let him fall asleep wherever for a nap at least” and “At some point he will crash out and sleep. It will be ok.”

Someone else thoughtfully added: “It’s possible that he won’t be so unsettled because you’ll be there. I do understand how you feel but it is a very big deal to make such a big change to Christmas Day plans at this late stage.”

Others, however, were in support of the mum’s decision, with another person saying: “Hi. I have an autistic child and I completely understand you op. If people don't they are not properly understanding your situation,” and “Really surprised at all the people saying ‘It's only one day!’ If the OP's experience is that being off the schedule and overstimulated is going to create a miserable situation, she's probably right to want to scale things back.”