A mother-of-two decided not to buy any presents for her children because she wants to teach them the true meaning of Christmas.
In an interview with Fabulous Digital, Kim Palmer explained why she came up with the controversial decision.
“AS a child, I adored Christmas – the trees, the trimmings and, of course, the presents,” she said. “Although it was quite difficult for my parents financially, there was never a shortage of gifts around our tree.
“My Christmas list was always filled with lots of toys and dolls, and on Christmas morning I’d wake to find all my wishes had been granted.
“But while opening one gift after another, I never truly appreciated what was inside. Instead, I’d look forward to discovering my next magical treat.”
Mrs. Palmer continued: “My worst fear was my children growing up to be spoilt. So when my four-year-old son was born, I told my husband Simon, 38, that I wanted our children to grow up feeling grateful for everything that they’re given.
“I decided that I wouldn’t buy my children gifts at Christmas.
“Our finances have no part to play in our decision. My husband is a teacher, and I am a strategy director and CEO of a wellness brand for women called Clementine, so we would have no issue with buying our sons lots of extravagant Christmas presents if we chose to do so.”
She added: “My son has never once asked us why he hasn’t got any presents from us. I think that demonstrates the point – kids don’t care who or where the presents come from at this age. He isn’t going to miss one or two presents from us.
“UK parents spend way too much on their children at Christmas, in my opinion. Some of the things that I see parents buying for their children are absolutely crazy.
“I can understand from a parent’s point of view why you might want to do that. There’s a lot of peer pressure at Christmas, too.
“But the braver (and better) thing to do in the long run is to buy less and try not to follow what other parents are doing.”
Mrs. Palmer also explained that they simply try to focus on making memories as a family and having experiences together instead of making it all about bought items.
“Christmas should be about spending time with your loved ones, not showering your children with unnecessary gifts for the sake of it,” she expressed.
But many parents disagree, with one commenting: “I dont know about any1 else but as a child I loved christmas but there is nothing more magical than being a mother on christmas day n seeing ur children open there presents even if they only came from the pound shop my daughter would still appreciate the cheap things that is the value of money not leaving them with nothing xx.”
Another wrote: “What a miserly, miserable cow. Why not just let your kids enjoy the magic of santa. You dont have to spend a fortune and it doesnt make them spoilt. Why bother having kids… seriously!”
A third added: “Aww, i dont know what to make of this. As a child, i loved xmas morning . So do my kids. I dont spoil them but try to buy gifts that they use rather than being slung in a corner after five mins . This year i have got my 14 yr old a tent and camping stuff. My 7 and 3 yr old have got a shed which i will paint and add bits so its a play house. When they grow out of it, i have an extra shed!”
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