THE Christmas period is a busy time for families, with lots of parties, cooking and celebrations.
And not to forget the last-minute dashing to the shops to get gifts for your nearest and dearest.
But if you are a first time mum or have little toddlers running around it may slightly be that little bit more stressful.
It may even be off putting for some parents.
And one mum has sparked a debate after admitting that she actually wants to cancel Christmas plans to keep her son in routine.
The parent, who is anonymous, took to Mumsnet to ask for advice as she didn’t want to sleep at her mother-in laws home and instead only stayed in the afternoon.
She explained that her 20-month-old son recently stayed with her parents and was an “absolute nightmare” as he struggles with new environments and changes to his routine.
The mum wrote: “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.
“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!”
Hundreds of people responded to the post, with many divided over it.
One person replied: “You are being unreasonable – It’s one day. Get on with it.”
A second agreed, adding: “You just get on with it. My in-laws lived 2.5 hours away so not staying over wasn’t an option.
“I’m sorry, but it’s everyone else’s Christmas as well as your toddler’s.
“Keep him up until he crashes, let him sleep for as long as he needs in the morning. Our kids soon adapted to all this.
“Sometimes it worked, sometimes it was hard. But you don’t go changing everyone’s Christmas plans because of a toddler’s routine.
“It’s what parenting at this age is. Sometimes it’s a pain, but you and your husband need to tag team and be flexible.”
Another said: “Your in-laws probably won’t believe how sleepless your son is unless they experience it themselves. So they’ll think you’re being unreasonable, even if you’re right.
“For that reason, I might suck it up for one night and start your strict routine after Christmas.
“But I’ve said you’re not being unreasonable because I think you’re right there is definitely a less stressful Christmas option than battling with him all night.”
A fourth added: “You are not being unreasonable. I think most people who are saying you are don’t have a toddler who’s a bad sleeper and thrives from routine.
“It’s easy to say it’s just one day but in my experience, it can throw off everything for a week or so.
“It’s not like you’re suggesting not going – I don’t think it should be an issue.
“It’s easy for your husband and in-laws to sulk- but they’re not the stay-at-home parent who has to deal with the consequences.”
Someone else posted: “You know your family and what’s best for them…especially if you suspect additional needs. Trust your gut feeling.”
