A mum-of-two has explained her reasoning for never buying her children Christmas gifts, and other parents have applauded her realistic approach. However, others think it’s sad
There’s nothing like seeing children’s faces light up on Christmas morning when they see presents under the tree. But, one mum says she never buys he kids Christmas gifts to teach them a lesson.
39-year-old Cherlyn Sue, from Sydney, Australia, says she knows “it sounds horrible” but “a stuffed toy doesn’t bring any sense of wonder”. The mum-of-two says she prioritises giving her children experiences rather than presents. Her decision has nothing to do with saving money but to make her children “very aware”.
Cherlyn, who has a four-year-old and a two-year-old, told SBS: “In this area there is a lot of competition. I didn’t want [the children] to buy into any of that because it’s so materialistic. You’re always going to get somebody who has more than you, who is going to spend more than you.”
Cherlyn said throughout the year she prioritising taking her children on holidays and days out. She continued: “Children’s attention spans are short – an experience will last years. They remember holidays, and going to theme parks and zoos. My boy remembers what we did at Taronga Zoo years ago.”
Cherlyn explained she grew up in Singapore as an only child and admits she had always been very privileged. She added: “I know how lucky I am so it is actually quite a turn that I’ve decided to go this way with my kids.”
The mum said she does not judge other family who do give their children presents. Cherlyn commented: “I’m not against presents but I’d rather give them a memory, than an item they could get bored of within days or weeks.”
“I 100 per cent realise each family is different, there’s no judgement on my end. We’re just making it so they’re [the children] appreciative of the toys they’ve got.”
On social media, a number of people shared their thoughts on Cherlyn’s decision. One individual said: “Her kids…her choice. It’s a made-up holiday…she doesn’t want to play the game.” Another added: “I agree with her to be honest. I do think children get too much in one days and things they don’t need.”
They continued: “I think Christmas is a competition and just about what you’re getting rather than what it should be about.” But another said: “They grow up so fast, spoil them while you can.”
Do you agree? Let us know in the comments…
