How to Date Dads at Christmas
Dating December: The season of joy, mulled wine, and awkwardly untangling fairy lights while pretending not to side-eye your situationship. But dating dads at Christmas is a very specific vibe. It’s part rom-com, part family sitcom, and part “am I actually auditioning to be a step-parent here?” Fear not—I’ve got you covered. Here’s your cheeky guide to navigating the festive season with a single dad.
Warning! Also never use this as an opportunity to showboat especially if mum and dad are on budgets whilst you’ve got lots of disposable income. I bought gifts for Ex’s kids as well as a holiday for us. Went down like a lead balloon with the mums.
1. Respect the Santa Schedule
Dads at Christmas? They’re busy. Between coordinating school plays, assembling bikes at 1 a.m., and wrapping presents like they’re running MI5, their time is a hot commodity. So, don’t get your feelings hurt if he’s more “Elf on the Shelf” than “Netflix and Chill” until Boxing Day.
Pro tip: Offer to help him with Christmas prep—it’s a win-win. You look thoughtful, and he’ll adore having someone else brave the toy aisle apocalypse with him.
2. Accept That the Kids Come First
Christmas is kid territory. This is their time to shine in glitter-covered, macaroni ornament glory. Your place? Supporting role. Do not—under any circumstances—compete with little Sophie’s interpretation of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”
Instead, charm the socks off his kids (and maybe his mum) by being fun and chill. A solid gingerbread house decorating session goes a long way. Just don’t eat all the candy decorations. Rookie mistake.
3. Beware of Overstepping
Now, this is tricky. Christmas can feel very relationshippy, but tread carefully. If you’re not yet “official,” don’t assume you’re getting a seat at Christmas dinner. Dads are protective of their kiddos, and introducing a new romantic interest during the festive frenzy might not be on his wish list.
Manage expectations. If you get a casual “see you after Christmas,” don’t take it personally. Unless he’s ghosting you, in which case… Santa’s sack isn’t the only thing you need to leave behind.
4. Nail the Gift Game
Let’s talk presents. Buying for a dad isn’t just about him—it’s a covert audition for his inner circle. Skip the socks and go for something thoughtful. A personalised coffee mug with a cheeky twist? Great. A family board game he can enjoy with the kids? Even better.
But if you’re not sure where you stand? Stick to something neutral yet classy—like a festive bottle of wine or a charming book. Keep it light, not “I’m trying to move in.”
5. Embrace the Chaos
Christmas with a dad is not a Hallmark movie. It’s more “Grinch stole my peace and quiet.” There will be spilled eggnog, tantrums (possibly his), and an unholy amount of tinsel. Roll with it. Laugh it off. You’ll earn major points for being fun under fire.
Bonus tip: If he insists on assembling the kids’ presents at midnight, bring snacks and sarcasm to keep the mood light. Who knew Ikea furniture could be a relationship test?
6. Have Your Own Festive Fun
Remember, he’s a dad, not Santa. Don’t expect him to fulfill all your festive fantasies. Plan your own celebrations, whether that’s hosting a friends’ Christmas dinner or hitting the Christmas market solo. Show him you’re an independent queen who doesn’t need rescuing by the Ghost of Christmas Needy.
To date dads at Christmas is like juggling candy canes—tricky but oh-so-sweet when done right. Stay flexible, keep things light, and enjoy the festive ride. Who knows? You might just find yourself kissing him under the mistletoe—or at least sharing a laugh over a poorly wrapped Barbie Dreamhouse.
Merry Dad-ing! 🎄
So there you have it. How to date dads at Christmas your sassy guide to dating mishaps and mistletoe mischief
© Chelsea Black ® 2024 (with help from ChatGPT)
