Parents debate ditching Xmas tradition for good
Mums are revolting against one of the many traditions that take place at the end of the year, but not everyone agrees its a waste of time.
A beloved tradition is causing division online between parents.
When the first day of December arrives next week, children all over the world will wake to a surprise.
Some will find a box waiting for them. Others? Not a thing.
It all comes down to which side of the December 1st box debate their parents sit on.
The debate is occurring across various social media platforms, as the deadline draws closer and Elf on the Shelf begins to wreak havoc across homes next month.
The chaotic fictional creature brings some of these boxes; others are delivered by parents keen to kick off the holiday spirit.
Inside, kids might find their Advent calendar, festive-themed pyjamas, small toys, or books.
However, some parents are calling for the pressure that comes with the task to be axed.
Melbourne mum, Nicole Sherrwin, understands gift-giving is a love language for many, but she simply won’t speak it.
“December is already mentally and financially stressful for a lot of people. If you’re on social media, this is the time of year you start seeing a lot of Christmas hauls and the December 1st box,” Ms Sherrwin told news.com.au.
She made a TikTok captioned “Kim, there are people that are dying” to try and drown out any pressure parents might be feeling.
“I think if you’re a parent on social media, it’s impossible to ignore,” she explained.
“Everyone should have the opportunity to celebrate Christmas and create traditions in whatever way they like. However, that choice is a privilege that not everyone has. I simply wanted to reassure anyone feeling that pressure that it’s okay not to do a December 1st box. Your kids aren’t missing out.”
“I think when people see an option put forward which is not aligned with their personal preference, they interpret it as a judgment of their choices. Which it’s not.”
However, on other posts on the app, the comment sections aren’t as positive, with some parents defending the December 1st box like the Grinch defends his trash pile.
An Adelaide mother copped it after taking to TikTok to ask that we stop normalising the tradition.
“Can we normalise letting families do what they want, if you don’t wanna. Don’t,” one user writes.
“Can we normalise keeping our opinions to themselves? Can we normalise doing whatever you want in your own home? Can we normalise not trying to yell (at) strangers on the internet what to do?” another said.
“Maybe we just do our own thing and not shame others for doing what makes them happy,” a third suggested.
However, many still agreed it’s getting out of hand.
“These boxes are 100 (per cent) just consumerism,” one parent pointed out.
“I’ve never done them and have no plan on doing them. I do feel like I’m one of the only ones who doesn’t do it,” another agreed.
For Auckland mum, Shannon Young, she’s urged parents slamming the idea to remember it’s an individual preference.
The 2-year-old mother of two has been a long advocate for the box, saying those who do bash it are “giving Grinch” in a recent TikTok.
She argues if you’re not a fan, then simply don’t participate. But there’s no need to hate on parents who want to have some festive fun.
“I have always loved the idea of Christmas PJ’s, advent calendars and Christmas themed things to be used during the month of December. The box is simply a fun way to present it to my kids,” Ms Young told news.com.au.
She sees the same argument crop up every year, and this year she wants to defend the right to choose. And not be scrutinised for that choice, regardless of whether one decides to box or not to box.
She says the boxes have been a thing for years, but thanks to social media, the burden of comparison is causing parents to question something designed to be pure.
“I think with social media, we are able to see into people’s homes, and the comparison between mums and parents builds. There is this feeling of not doing enough if you aren’t going all out for holidays and birthdays, but these boxes have been around for generations, just not as commercialised as we see them today,” she said.
While her kids may be young, she intends to have conversations with them about why some kids don’t get a box.
“When it comes up one day, I hope we have already built the understanding that families celebrate differently, and it’s just a box mum sets up on the 1st December to show things we will be doing in our house leading up to Christmas,” she said.
Originally published as Parents debate ditching Xmas tradition for good
