Mum reveals why she doesn't buy her children Christmas presents

The Sydney woman says she knows it "sounds horrible", but she has good reason - and it's super inspiring.

An Aussie mum has shared that she has never bought Christmas presents for her two children, aged four and two - and her decision has nothing to do with saving money. 

Cherlyn Sue, 39, from Sydney, chooses not to buy gifts because she thinks that celebrating the day can be done in more meaningful ways with family.

Speaking with SBS, she said, "I'm an only child, I grew up in Singapore so you can imagine how privileged life was, and still is."

She continued, "I know how lucky I am so it is actually quite a turn that I've decided to go this way with my kids."

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Image: LinkedIn / IStock

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"There is a lot of competition"

Living in Sydney's North Shore, she says, "We are very aware that 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 and you're always going to get somebody who is going to have more than you, who is going to spend more than you, and then the people who have less than you, then get forgotten."

All in all, Cherlyn said her decision was about prioritising experiences over material things.

"We rate experiences over things," she explained.  "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. A stuffed toy just doesn't bring that sense of wonder."

The mum also insisted that she wasn't opposed to what other families did for their kids - it's just about finding what works for you. 

"I'm not against presents but I'd rather give them a memory than an item they could get bored of in days or weeks," she said.

"I 100 per cent realise each family is different, there's no judgement on my end.

"We're just making it so they're (children) appreciative of the toys they've got."

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"Her kids, her choice"

Over on social media, users weighed in on her decision.

"Her kids... her choice. It's a made-up holiday... she doesn't want to play the game," one said.

"I agree with her to be honest," said another. "I do think children get too much in one day and things they don't need.

"I think Christmas is a competition and just about what you're getting rather than what it should be about."

"I would still get them a couple of small things to open on the day," suggested a third. 

"They grow up so fast, spoil them while you can," advised another. 

Originally published as Mum reveals why she doesn't buy her children Christmas presents