'I told my kid I can't afford the gifts on his Xmas wishlist'

"That is okay if we can't afford it. I am asking Santa to get it for me. He can get any toy," was his heartbreaking reply.

Parents are having to choose between spoiling their kids and feeding them. Source: iStock

In a touching post on the renowned Reddit parenting thread, a mother bared her soul as she struggled to balance embracing a new culture and financial constraints and ensuring her kids didn't miss out.

The mum wrote, "We are not of Christian religion and come from a different cultural background… the point is, we are new to this.

"I didn't want my children to feel they are missing out. So I decorate a Christmas tree at home.," she added.

"Last year, I decided to take it further with more decorations and get the kids a gift each…but I didn't want to spend too much (kept it around €10-13 ). 

The mother, filled with a desire to ensure her children don't feel left out, confessed, "I don't want this to become a thing that I have to keep money aside for, like their birthday gifts."

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Santa's (expensive) wish list

The heart-wrenching core of the post revealed the mother's anguish over her 6-year-old's Christmas wish that exceeds the family's financial means.

When the mum advised her little one the toys were too expensive, their reply was heartbreaking.

"But that is okay if we cannot afford it. Because I am asking Santa to get it for me. He can get any toy."

A symphony of struggles

Responses from fellow parents echoed the mum's anguish. 

One offered a pragmatic approach and said, "I always say 'well let's just see what he brings! Who knows, but Santa knows best.'" 

Another parent said she tells her kids, "Santa has to deliver so many gifts, that they can't be too big or expensive."

"Santa can only spend so much on each kid each year. Even Santa is affected by inflation," joked another.

Parents are having to choose between spoiling their kids and feeding them. Source: iStock

Guiding through disappointment

The conversation then explored the art of gently steering children through potential disappointment. 

Suggestions ranged from proposing alternatives to encouraging the addition of desired items to birthday lists to maintain hope without overpromising.

Christmas and the cost of living

Many parents feel the pinch on their wallets this Christmas with the cost of living, interest rates increase, and the need for a bank loan to do their weekly grocery shopping.

"I have so much mum guilt this year," revealed Sydney mum to three kids, Jenna.

"I feel my current financial situation will mean my kids will wake up to a lot less presents than they are used to on Christmas morning.

New mum Cynthia echoed this sentiment, who told Kidspot, "It's a present for my baby who won't remember it or groceries for the week; I couldn't justify the present this year."

And mum to five boys, Gerri reminded us what Christmas is really about, "I've decided the kids need to remember what Christmas is really about.

"My husband and I are focussing on being present and making memories with the boys instead of buying gifts because we think they need them."

Originally published as 'I told my kid I can't afford the gifts on his Xmas wishlist'