VLOG: Mummy/Daughter Day + House Update! | Fleur De Force

[@samantharoche1395]

Make the rocking horse from you and Mike ☺️ I’m not a parent but I think it best for the more extravagant gifts be from family and average gifts from Santa. Mainly being if she (and when she’s older and in school) has friends who are less fortunate, they might be sad that Santa brought their friend a super crazy gift (like a computer) but Santa only brought them something small. You and Mike work hard: take credit for the best stuff 😉

[@nicoletoptotoe6723]

This! Yes, absolutely x

[@15lucykatbrooks]

This is what we’re doing. The big present ( i.e the expensive one) is from mummy and daddy and the others are from Father Christmas. This is how we did it when I was a kid. We also had to wait until after Christmas dinner before getting our most coveted gift. Kind of mean really, I won’t be continuing that tradition 🤣

[@Gracielooks]

@@15lucykatbrooks 😂😂 a long wait

[@ConstanceDunham]

Yep this!! This is what we’re doing too. 😊 That’s a gorgeous rocking horse, I haven’t seen one that gorgeous in Australia! Lucky girl! Xxx

[@jasnmaf]

That's a really good point!

[@sylviabellack8711]

My daughter is 3. Last year when she was 2 we started the rule that she can only ask Santa for one small present and explained that he has so many children to bring presents to so we don’t want to be greedy. Anything large or expensive is given from us or family.

[@nathhen7779]

Good idea ;)

[@NannyDiaries23]

That’s my preference too

[@ionelanastase9905]

I would give her present as being from you guys and stoking as from Santa as are smaller presents read an article last year about less fortunate kids thinking that they have done something bad if they don't get big presents from Santa so with my girls 4 &2 I am keeping small presents in stoking from Santa and big present from mom and dad and family

[@brinaf2857]

Poor kids... That's heartbreaking... I agree with you that it's better to tell the kids that the big presents are from the parents/ grandparents/...

[@queenbee063]

Yes, We started doing this last year with our little. Large/ Expensive gifts come from us, smaller less expensive gifts come from Santa.

[@smoore06]

I read the same article and it changed my whole perception about giving gifts to kids at Christmas!

[@VictoriaYoutube12]

Growing up we always had to "give Santa back gifts" at the first of the month, and load a few toys we didn't play with anymore in a sac and then those would be donated and then santa would reward us by bring us a stocking and one gift under the tree each year, and now we do that with the littles now.

[@brinaf2857]

@@VictoriaKZbin12 I love that!

[@_JoyceArt]

Awww, her little voice! “Mummy”. So adorable.

[@thetarafiles1200]

We never did big presents from Santa when our son was little as I was always conscious that there were probably kids at school that were less fortunate and received only smaller gifts instead. I didn’t want my son to go to school and tell others that Santa had brought him something wonderful and potentially have some other child wonder why Santa loved them less.😢 I know River isn’t really school age yet, but I think it’s good to start as you mean to go on. Maybe something smaller and pony related from Father Christmas since she has asked him for a pony, lol, then you can give her the rocking horse for her birthday? 🤷🏼‍♀️ Just my thoughts!😉

[@NannyDiaries23]

@@lalatte8294 unnecessary

[@margitpartei9402]

Small presents from Santa, bigger ones from mommy and daddy and granny etc. Previous commenters have had great arguments already why explaining things this way is important. :)

[@foo8lover]

Father Christmas for now and when she gets it more, than Father CHristmas can do just the sockings and the rest from family.

[@foo8lover]

@@lalatte8294 lol, it is to ease the trauma when she understands the reality about Santa

[@manateepottery]

@@lalatte8294 I saw something recently about how parents are asking other parents to not give Santa credit for the extravagant gifts because then the kids who’s “Santa” can’t afford pricey gifts feel bad that Santa doesn’t give them gifts like that. Mostly for young school age children, so might it be too early for them to worry about that for river, but it’s something to think about in the future.

[@greenlimabean]

I played the what we called the Santa game with my children. They knew it was a story, a game when we put out cookies for Santa and when gifts were from Santa. I was pissed for having been lied to when I found out from overhearing a conversation. "Does she still believe in Santa?" a neighbor asked my mom. I thought it was stupid to lie to kids. And it's an ordeal for the adult to have to keep the lie going.

[@MsMusigirl]

@@greenlimabean I loved beliving in Santa. That's what made Christmas so exciting and special. Other kids who didn't belive in Santa only thought about the presents but to me that was not that important. When I realised Santa doesn't exist I was disappointed and it wasn't the same anymore but I still would not want to miss those magical Chistmas times as a child. They still are my favorite childhood memorys. In my opinion childhood is supposed to be a little magical. You have the rest of your life to be realistic.

[@nuhameelaud133]

The real question is, how many dino eggs did you find?!! Lovely, wholesome vlog fleur, great watch just before bed!

[@LadyNajaGirl]

I am also curious about the Dino eggs!!

[@Ratchette13]

Actually really love Riv's minimalist Christmas cards, she's obviously got a good artistic eye! And you're right, the rocking horse is a 'he', only stallions have a crest under the mane like that. :) Lucky bug.

[@ellieboa]

River did a great job on her first vlog! Also nothing wrong with renovating slowly! Much more realistic too.

[@laurenlennox3297]

My birthday is 3 weeks before Christmas and I always got my presents that I asked for from my parents and Santa brought the little things like stocking fillers. As I got older I then realised it was my parents way of telling me that they had to work for things and I couldn’t just get stuff because id asked Santa for it and therefore I just got whatever I asked him for. Obviously up to you guys but I’m thankful they did as it made me appreciate things that they worked for us to have x

[@The.Caroline]

Making ornaments out of salt dough is super easy and a fun activity for River to do!

[@JulieM-bx1ou]

Oh Fleur when I was little I longed for a rocking horse like that! How wonderful. Then I moved on to wanting a real pony- just so you know! I’m so thrilled for River xx

[@imboredamuseme7532]

I agree with your Mum. Why risk her being disappointed at her age when you can avoid it. Creating a bit of magic isn't spoiling her x

[@skarlitbegoniahz]

There’s nothing sweeter than those little tiny baby voices. My kids are now almost 12 and 13 and I look back at videos of them when they were small and their sweet little voices get me every time.

[@louiseobrien9023]

Oh I was watching this making dinner - kids in the background. Can’t explain the panic to turn it off when you started to talk about “Father Christmas” - that was close!

[@FleurDeForce]

Ahhh so sorry! I did but a disclaimer in the description! Hope they didn't hear! eek!

[@louiseobrien9023]

@@FleurDeForce No no I got it in time! My own fault, I’ll read the description in future x

[@staceylovesnoah]

With my kids, we do the stocking and one gift from Father Christmas and we encourage them to ask for something that isn't too expensive as he has lots of other children in the world to get presents for. The rest of the gifts they know are from us and family and we typically do one main present with some smaller/less expensive gifts too.

[@AmyM235]

I think its important she knows the rocking horse is from you. As she gets older and starts school it can make children who are less fortunate feel as though they have done something wrong as they don't recieve such big gifts from santa! Definitely stocking prezzies only from santa x

[@Chrissy4281]

Yup. I agree with your mom about when any why to gift the horse. . Plus Christmas comes first and as a mom I wouldn’t prolong that joy (for any us) and excitement any longer than needed. It is a beautiful gift. I hope to see her reaction to that.

[@lily1marroquin]

Can I just say, I missed the sped up kitchen cleaning lol it’s just relaxing to see at least someone’s place be clean, even if it’s not my own lol

[@hello_amy]

Question about your decision not to do a full house tour: is it mostly for privacy reasons, or is it so haters don't have the chance to be rude and jealousy-shame you for having a beautiful home?

[@Halsning]

Aw River's voice is the cutest thing ever!! ❤️

[@amybradders94]

It's so refreshing hearing you talk about how you feel most people online move really fast with their decorating, I feel the same! I love how you do it at your own pace like the rest of us! 😃

[@nicolamoir8839]

In our house Santa brings stockings, because its been a bloody hard year for all of us, and I would hate to think that my kids made others feel bad because Santa brought them more stuff.

[@Queencereal]

Oh, Fleur, River is the cutest little thing ♥️ Thank you for sharing your sweet family with us.

[@anneh6342]

I would say have the Rocking Horse from Father Christmas. That joy and excitement that morning is unmatched...big RED Bow...etc. As far as a December birthday...my son is also born in December .... and when he was young...we would let him see the toys, but, then take a certain number out of sight and would bring them out throughout the year. Of course, when he got older, it was all at once. But, when they are little, that extends the fun. And, let's them really enjoy all of the toys. Love your vlogs...Blessings to you and your family at this wonderful season in life!

[@SensoryVibes]

River is just the cutest! After you see all the sad and horrible things in this world, you need to look at her to get a refill in happiness! 💞🥰❤️ Come by and say hello one of these days, we'd love to show you our latest 😊❤️

[@escapefromreality6057]

I don't have any kids myself, but when I was a kid the way that my parents did it was that all of our presents, except one and our stocking, came from them and family etc. The one present and the stocking were from Santa. They had this whole thing about how just before Christmas Santa comes and collects all of the presents from all the mums and dads, and he collects them from your aunts and uncles, grandparents etc as well, and then on Christmas, he just delivers them to you along with your present from him and he fills up your stocking. I always loved the way that they did it because it meant that I always knew and appreciated what my family and friends had brought me. And actually still to this day (I'm now 24 and my sister is 28) we still get a present from Santa every year 😂 I hope that this helps

[@sarahrussell9263]

Our oldest girls birthday is 29th Dec! Ive always kept Christmas and birthday very separate. Going all out for her birthday to make it special. I almost go over the top to make up for the fact that it’s at Christmas!! I would gift the horse for Christmas if that’s what’s she’s asked for! X

[@tivolaa]

We do have the same problem, our son is born on December 23. he will be 4 this year. We only celebrate his birthday so there are no presents on Christmas only family dinner. And then he has one bigger wish in the following year whenever he want. Last spring he got his first bike. This works great at the moment . In our family Father Christmas only brought stockings.

[@claireb6966]

Smaller stocking gifts from Father Christmas, bigger WOW special gifts like that amazing rocking horse, from you and Mike. Father Christmas has a lot of children to make gifts for after all! x

[@Alice-fj3qx]

My parents always did all presents from Father Christmas. As a child it was never about presents from parents, however I do understand the comments re financial situations differing. I was always equally as grateful for what i got and of course know now they were from my parents and feel just as grateful but I got to keep more magic for longer, presents at Christmas always felt more exciting than birthdays for that reason🥰

[@milossubotica234]

Rocking horse is amazing. I think it should be a present from Father Christmas! It is so special and precious when little ones still believe in Father Christmas.

[@ksgoo4960]

Fleur, that horse needs to be right by the tree on Christmas morning!

[@Viridian_07]

I can’t take credit for this I read it in a blog when I was pregnant and loved it. But in our house “Big” gifts come from mom and dad. Santa brings four things something to wear, something to read, something to play with, something you need. This helps me not go overboard on the buying of gifts and similarly my kiddo has a late November birthday so within a month he receives so much. She will love her horse no matter when she gets it or who gives it to her.

[@PolPocketC2018]

Cute vlog. We also do the stockings from father Christmas, and then main gifts from mummy and daddy (- but say something like - father Christmas couldn't get it on the sleigh, so he asked mummy and daddy to give it to you ...) X

[@maegen]

My daughter was born December 8th and we are in the same boat. People will often ask “what do you want for Christmas and your birthday” which confuses her because she (3 y/o) doesn’t think to separate into two different lists. So my husband and I decided that we will give her from Santa/father Christmas whatever she asks for the day she see’s him just to make sure she doesn’t think she’s on the naughty list because she didn’t get it. But Santa brings just that ONE thing, everything else is mom and dad. We too always had stockings from Santa and presents from mom and dad and when she is a little older we will revert back to that- when she can understand more about the story and roll of Santa.

[@terryfischer1070]

Let Father Christmas bring the rocking horse for Christmas. I agree with Mum DF. Riv won't understand if he doesn't bring it. You will love seeing her happy and excited Christmas morning!

[@Lizziel23]

River is living my childhood dream with that rocking horse - my brothers birthday is not long after Christmas and even as an older child/teen he sometime got things that were joint birthday and Christmas if he wanted something that’s particularly big or expensive, he would usually actually get it on Christmas though and then just get something little on his actual birthday

[@keithbates598]

Nice homey vlog. River is so cute with her baby in her coat. Like her Rocking Horse 🐎 too. My Mom is Hungarian, horses back in the day were everything to the Huns. Hi Piggy! You said you have been on KZbin for 11yrs. I started on KZbin with you and the Snowdogs for about 9yrs. How funny! I have always enjoyed your vlogs Fleur. Thank you always 💓 Joan Bates

[@clairehudson3341]

My birthday is three days after Christmas too and my mum, similar to you, said she feels bad it is so close to Christmas. So, to make the time feel a little more special, what we used to do (and I guess still do haha) is put some small presents on the tree and open those on boxing day/day after, and then it is the birthday presents on the third day. So, even though you only get presents once a year, unlike most people who get twice a year, we made it so that I would have half a week of presents which helped drag it out and feel more special.

[@countrycarousel9918]

I have no idea who my presents are from - father Christmas or not! Maybe he could get a little pony as he knew you had bought her something very special!!

[@victoriamather2267]

I loved River vlogging and I love the idea that stockings are from Santa and the rest is from Friends and Family! ❤️

[@lucydore5732]

I'm no parent, but you could say to her that mummy and daddy had a talk with Father Christmas and that he said he agreed that you guys buy the more expensive ones. Then the other presents could be from santa and contributed towards the rocking horse because she has been a very good girl.

[@shelleyusher7483]

if she’s asked Father Christmas for it then it should be from Father Christmas that’s what makes it so magical. Their sacks are also from Father Christmas.xxxx

[@TheSophiiieee]

How grown up is River😭🥰 To anyone else watching this, happy Monday!! Let’s smash the week.. we’re all in this together😋 stay safe and remember to keep smiling, lots of love a small time KZbinr trying to spread positivity❤️❤️

[@tillydown3358]

I'd give it to River at Christmas and say Santa brought it , seeing as she believes in him and has asked him for a rocking horse it will be magical for her! Make the most of her innocence as they grow up so fast and she won't believe forever xxx

[@tinacarrol6702]

What a Beautiful Rocking Horse. I would give it her for Christmas from santa XX 🎅🎅

[@helenbruce7084]

My birthday is the 16th December and I remember that as a child some estranged family would always want to combine my gifts and by doing that my birthday never really felt as special as others . My parents thankfully never did this ! My daughter was born on 4th December and as she’s a ‘Christmas baby’ like me I always make sure her birthday is super special. I love the ‘ magic ‘ of Christmas though especially with little ones and I think seeing Rivers face on Christmas Day when she receives the rocking horse knowing the elf’s made it will be priceless ! X

[@rebeccab2446]

If you are trying to do less stuff, and differentiate the holidays, maybe make birthday gifts an experience. A trip to the zoo or pony ride or whatev - then the stuff does not pile up every year. My lucky friend growing up would go the the beach every year for her birthday, and her brother got to go skiing. My parents never told us if the gift were from them or santa, and I never asked. I would say if they ask for something specific from santa, then that is the gift.

[@cadams3rd]

We always opened our presents from parents/family on Christmas Eve. Santa would leave us one present under the tree on Christmas morning. I’ve continued that with my kids. I only let them ask Santa for one thing. I don’t want them going to school telling their friends about all the things Santa brought if they’re friends don’t get much from Santa. It works for us.

[@marlafincher9063]

My birthday is Dec 23 and it never bothered me to have a joint gift. Also, we have been having Santa fill stockings and all the other gifts come from us. I think it keeps things ‘under control’ a bit that Santa can’t fit a pony or a Barbie dream house in the stocking. Bonus, we also get to take credit for the big gifts. 😁

[@sarahrichards7862]

My daughter will be 3 on the 30th just after Riv so I feel your pain. I would give her it from Father Christmas at this age as it will be so magical for her. As you see she doesnt majorly have a concept of the differentiation between who presents are for and when things are. As she gets older and understands more it can be changed to just stocking presents etc. When I was a kid I barely remember differentiating what presents were from my parents.....I think I thought they were all from Father Christmas. I never remember thinking but what did my parents get me....! X x

[@mauranoonan8951]

River is so sweet! My oldest daughter loved dinosaurs when she was young. She had memorized their names and attributes and collected lots of dinosaur toys. 💕

[@73Jessicaa]

I do father Christmas brings the stocking and we buy the big presents (BUT they all go to Santa's work shop to be wrapped and checked over) I just remember when I was a kid and I got a doll house from 'Santa' but my friend also wanted one but her parents couldn't afford it so when she didnt get one, she thought she had been naughty. So from that day my mum changed it to the other way :) I just love the thought behind it and my boys dont question it so 🤷‍♀️ X

[@physhac]

I vote to give it to her from father Christmas. It will make Christmas magical

[@SkyxoxStar]

As another 28th of December birthday girl, save it for her birthday! Birthdays are so special but having a post Christmas birthday really can be challenging, so make it as special as you can ❤️ I know this sounds whiney and mopey, but I've really considered swaping my birthday for June 28th instead... Haha the weather is better, friends and family are less likely to be busy, which makes parties more fun. She's already a strong and stubborn little Capricorn, but with some great kind and loving parents she'll be very much alright ☺️ Thanks for the vlog Fleur and what ever you do will be wonderful!

[@christinepopowich6575]

Give her the rocking horse from you two for Christmas! Maybe get some type of horse accessory for Christmas from Father Christmas? haha...like a cowboy hat? Something related to horses. The bracelets and anything else you've gotten her can be for her birthday. My birthday is near Christmas as well and I always hated getting combined gifts! (as a child, not as an adult).

[@annabelyates5219]

I am a fellow Christmas baby so I understand the feeling of only getting things once a year. My parents always did Santa stockings and then everything else was family/friends. You could always get her a small toy horse to be from Santa, so she understands that he did get her a horse, and then give her the proper one for her birthday 😊

[@courtneydeiter7461]

Gift it from you guys! She will be so happy she gets it she won't even be thinking about if it was Santa or you! So fun! She's going to be thrilled!

[@adelejayne8531]

The rocking horse reminds me off black beauty. Personally if she asked father Christmas for it I would say give it to her on Christmas

[@donnawoo5107]

Super horse! Father Christmas I’d say... Father Christmas only gave my children one gift though as he had a lot of presents to hand out and as they got older it wasn’t super expensive as he had to cater for everyone. Can I ask where you got the pink bead box set from please? Thanks x

[@allysonberry8708]

Oh my goodness! That rocking horse is gorgeous!! When my daughter was younger she would have been on that nonstop!!

[@michellefagan2177]

The singer table is so beautiful looks so good and love the bed

[@charlottesmith8037]

We’ve always (our sons 10) done the stockings are from Father Christmas, the big things are from us, so with the rocking horse I would say it’s from you but Father Christmas helped you pick the right horse/pony, that was so as they grow up, Santa doesn’t get the credit for those bigger (and more expensive) gifts, the stockings are a bonus for being very good and usually have little bits that they need and well as treats, so it’s like Santa has been watching all year, oh you lost a glove here’s a new pair, you liked that book, here’s the next one in the series etc etc just trying to keep the magic going as long as poss, I think we might be in our last year of believing though 😢 so enjoy the magic while you can x

[@rahatumaimah4785]

OMG this came at such a perfect timing! I was thinking about your vlogs just today and here it is. 😍 Can't wait to curl up in bed and enjoy this one! 🙌

[@amandaharris421]

As a kid, we always had one present from Santa (usually a fun toy) and the rest from family. My parents always told us to ask for smaller things from Santa because he has soooo many kids to bring presents to (aka the less fortunate kids at school wouldn’t feel bad if we got something hugely expensive and they didn’t, which is a great idea)

[@LibLob24]

I think it should be from Father Christmas just because it's so magical, but you can say that 'you had a word with Santa' etc. In our house growing up smaller presents, and more 'random' funny gifts were from Father Christmas, but the 'substantial' presents were from our parents. The only 'big' presents I think I got from Father Christmas were my guinea pigs when I was 12/13, hidden in their hutch under a shiny gold blanket. Magic.

[@angelablack7946]

My youngest daughter’s birthday is 9 days before Christmas. When it comes to gifts we have her decide which day the gift should be given. She will be nine this year so it makes it easier. It has worked out for us, but I’m not sure about three days after Christmas.

[@chloewalsh2937]

Wow, I always remember in the children’s hospital they had a rocking horse and it was just so magical she will love it 😍 it’s gorgeous x

[@amandaharris421]

River is well on her way to being a future vlogging sensation! Love these vlogs - happy you and the family are doing well!

[@lilifandrich]

I'm not a parent (not able to have kids, even though we really want one), but many of my friends and family only give small gifts from Father Christmas. The main reason is other families aren't able to give big, expensive things, and children don't understand or feel hurt that a friend got something really great from Father Christmas, but they only got (insert small toy or necessity here). I think it's much better to give the big things yourself, and save the little stocking stuffers for Father Christmas.

[@shannon4180]

I'm of the mind that Father Christmas gives smaller things, and parents and family give the bigger things. I actually think it's a good 'lesson' that FC doesn't always bring exactly what you want. What about a small rocking horse (that her stuffiest could ride?) from him instead?

[@chiuso5633]

100% Give her that beautiful Rocking Horse for Christmas from Father Christmas!!

[@triciamonahan]

Wonderful Vlog Fleur. I love watching Rivers personality bloom. My daughter’s Birthday is December 1st, so I know gifts can be overwhelming at Christmas time, and Rivers is SO close! I am sure you & Mike will choose the best way to gift her, but if River asks Father Christmas for something specific (even if it is THE BIG GIFT) Maybe give her the Rocking horse for Christmas. I know she will be thrilled either way, and I know trying to choose how to blend family traditions is tricky. However you & Mike decide IS the best.

[@ahoward3503]

River loves crafts and carbs. Now that's a lifestyle I can support!

[@rachaeldempsey7586]

Dying to see behind the creepy door 😆 Father Christmas stores all the toys that we and family send to him, on Christmas Eve if your on the “nice” list he loads them on the sleigh x

[@susanwhite2563]

Santa must bring the rocking horse. Children grow too quickly so hang onto Santa as long as you can and she will never forget he brought it to her. It's beautiful, lucky River x

[@terri2612]

Birthday definitely as someone who has their birthday the day after Christmas having it be really special is so important

[@31SingerGeorgia]

All presents in the stocking are from father clause and all presents under the tree were from our parents I feel it’s important you teach your children to understand the value of things from a young age. I agree with your idea Fleur 👍

[@colleenweinschenker1808]

Doubt you’ll see this however one way to separate the Christmas-birthday going forward is to celebrate her half birthday in June with her school friends etc. That way she properly gets to celebrate both her birthday (at the half point) and Christmas with everyone. Hope that idea helps!

[@cakecarrots7126]

River did a fantastic job for her first time following in mummys foot steps

[@flemiac]

The room looks beautiful, lovely vlog. River is so adorable & one lucky girl . 🐎🐎

[@carolinemarshall4860]

I think if she’s asked Father Christmas for it she will be upset if she doesn’t get it. When my kids were younger I used to put one gift that they asked Father Christmas for under the tree from him with family and friends gifts. Also Father Christmas did the stockings xxx. I had a rocking horse like that and yours has been restored beautifully. X

[@sallyannc3176]

Your Mum is right - definitely give her the rocking horse at Xmas as she's asked for it for Xmas. She's a bit little this year but by next year she'll probably understand things a bit better and you can differentiate between Xmas and her birthday.

[@jennaelyse5933]

Growing up we did the same as you. Only the presents in our stockings were from Santa. I’ve started doing the same with my kids. A December bday is tricky. If I thought she’d be disappointed on Xmas I would give her the horse then and save other gifts for her bday

[@tracyfarebrother2018]

Loved her filming shes so cute ,shes going 2 love her rocking horse it's so beautiful plus she will love him 4 years xxx

[@LH201]

When my girls were little, we had one main present from Father Christmas and the stockings, I think it's important if you want your children to believe in Father Christmas that you don't break the spirit by not providing what the child has asked for - psychologically they may feel they've done something wrong. I totally understand Riv is very young at the moment but perhaps something to think about.

[@Jessica-gg3ul]

You talking about River maybe getting upset about Father Christmas and the rocking horse reminded me of when I was about 3 and asked him for a my size barbie doll. My parents didn't realise how much I wanted it & as it was expensive decided to get me numerous smaller things instead. Then on Christmas I was devastated that I didn't have the doll (to the point that my parents very nearly went to Toys R Us on Boxing Day to buy one as I was inconsolable. Apparently I even went back to bed as I was convinced he'd sent my presents to the wrong Jessica and maybe when I woke up he'd of sorted things out!) In short, if I were you, I'd give her the rocking horse on Christmas Day! Just to avoid any potential upset xx

[@kellywallace436]

Several friends whose kids were born on or very near Christmas celebrate with a cake and family dinner on the actual day. Presents and party with friends is celebrated in June as happy half birthday.... 6 1/2 , 7 1/2 etc.

[@Ab74by]

We were the same. Presents under the tree from Mum & Dad. Stockings from Santa !

[@izzym5879]

Beautiful rocking horse that father christmas has brought her💖💖😊

[@ellenmeabhdhobrienhall4645]

That rocking horse 😍😍😍 wow what a dream!

[@morgainewebb1289]

Give the gift for Christmas! My brother has the same birthday as River and asked Father Christmas for a PS1. He got a bike for Christmas and then the PS1 for his birthday. He was absolutely devastated on Christmas Day, cried, then proclaimed Father Christmas wasn’t real because he knew what he would want. Hope this helped!

[@FleurDeForce]

Haha - oh no! That's what I'm worried about - she thinks Father Christmas is bringing it... and it's her first real understanding/experience with Father Christmas as she was too little to understand the past 2 years! Don't want her to be disappointed! Either way she's being very spoilt and getting a lovely present, it's just from FC instead of me and mike! haha

[@donnanancekivell9430]

It’s been along time since my son was that age, however we always left the gift he wanted the most unwrapped in from of the tree and that gift was from Santa, then we could rationalize that there were wrapped gifts from his grandparents and family..........I think sometimes when there is a Birthday and Christmas so close they can be overwhelmed.........I remember some years my son was the only grandchild so there was just too much so I would put things away till early in the New Year...........stay well".....................Donna in Toronto

[@emma12345890]

When I was younger everything was from father Christmas, nothing from parents x

[@Makeupjunkie09]

Same 🤗

[@kathymerryman6914]

Embrace the magic of her 3 year old world and let the horse come from Father Christmas/Santa! It is what she asked for from him. You have plenty of time to "take credit" for the big gifts when she no longer believes. My kids are 20/25 and all their gifts are from Santa (but they know I am Santa) They also have birthdays around Christmas so I think you are correct in combining them till they truly understand. Merry Christmas!

[@lisagooch7728]

Awww I’m loving the crown as well it’s so addictive loving the rocking horse too she gonna love it she’s so cute 💕💕

[@amy011973]

Concerning such a big influx of presents once a year- maybe you could talk to River (or just decide) as she gets older, to have her birthday party on her half birthday. Of course celebrate the day of her birth, possibly with close family, but have the party and presents, etc., on her half birthday. It would be a bit different but I understand what you are saying about birthday and Christmas being too close as my own birthday is in January and I always wished for a summer birthday.

[@lorraineivers6038]

Oh absolutely give her the horse from Father Christmas, it’s beautiful btw. 💕