Christmas plan when one parent works overnight?

[Anonymous]

DH is almost certainly working the nights of the 23rd, 24th and 25th of December. He'll probably be gone from home around 10:30 p.m. to 9:30 a.m., and of course will also need to sleep at some point during the day.

I'm curious if others have a parent who works the night shift and how you structure your Christmas so that parent is there for the most important things.

[Anonymous]

My mom's dad was a police officer when she was growing up, and worked the night shift. She said they (she and her siblings) would always just wait in their bedrooms until he came home in the morning, and then they would all come out to open gifts.

[Anonymous]

Could you and the kids make a celebratory Christmas breakfast, then open gifts and eat breakfast when he comes home? Then he can sleep.

Do you have other family obligations for a celebratory meal later in the day? If not, maybe you could do a very festive meal for NYE, if you'll miss having the festive dinner meal.

[Anonymous]

My DH used to get home at 6, but my kids were sound sleepers. Usually up at 8-9, were always so patient and waited until he woke (always earlier than usual around 11-noon) in the late morning. I would let them tear into stockings beforehand, being sure to put at least one thing they wanted in there. We’d keep busy watching movies and eating cookies, preparing food. When dad woke, we’d dig into brunch and open presents. After the hustle and bustle, DH would take a nap. It was always just our normal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My DH used to get home at 6, but my kids were sound sleepers. Usually up at 8-9, were always so patient and waited until he woke (always earlier than usual around 11-noon) in the late morning. I would let them tear into stockings beforehand, being sure to put at least one thing they wanted in there. We’d keep busy watching movies and eating cookies, preparing food. When dad woke, we’d dig into brunch and open presents. After the hustle and bustle, DH would take a nap. It was always just our normal.

PP again, I forgot to add, in your case, I would assume you wait to open until he’s home, and he just goes to bed later. He will be OK, the kids will learn patience and understanding, and all will be well. I promise!