Mum divides opinion after sharing realistic Christmas present haul for her son
Christmas is the most expensive - and in turn, one of the most dreaded - times of year for millions of parents around the world.
Not only have you got the kids' presents to worry about - you've also got to consider the cost of a 'traditional' roast dinner with all the trimmings, travel expenses to visit family, and a Christmas tree.
And with the ongoing cost of living crisis in the UK, it's no surprises that the hefty cost of the festive period is weighing down on many mums and dads.
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One British mum, however, has sparked a mixed reaction after opening up on the harsh realities of celebrating Christmas with tightened pursestrings.
Gabriella, the British mother of a three-year-old boy, took to TikTok earlier this week to share her honest Christmas haul for her son, in the hope that people realise they don't have to buy extravagant gifts for their children.
"So what I've got my three-and-a-half-year-old for Christmas this year," she told viewers. "And no I don't spend hundreds on my kids for Christmas as they don't need it."
"My son is going to be perfectly happy with what he’s got. If anything, he’s going to be over the moon."
She went on: "So first up I’ve got some Pokemon bits because he’s really been into watching Pokemon recently. And I little figurine."
Gabriella then went on to show off the specific gifts she'd bought her little boy, which included reading books, Hot Wheels cars, a sensory light and chocolate for his stocking.
"He likes little cars and my partner works for a car company, so we got these nice and discounted," she explains. "Next up we’ve got a sensory light which he will really like. I got this from the garden centre.
"We’ve got him two more books, he’ll love these. Some chocolates for his stocking. Perfect amount for a three-and-a-half-year-old."
The mum's video has since accumulated over 300k views and 8.5k comments, with viewers divided.
Some TikTok users hit out at Gabriella, telling her that the gifts she'd purchased for her son were simply not enough for Christmas.
"Each to their own, but I would feel so guilty if this is all I got my child. I only spoil mine at Christmas," one admitted, while another confessed: "Personally I would have bought more toys and forfeited my nails."
"There's a difference between not spoiling him and then there's this.." a third slammed her.
Another parent agreed, continuing: "I have four kids and always get them a lot because I think it should be magical and over the top for them."
Others, however, have heaped praise on the mum for her refreshing honesty.
"I’m howling at the fact grown adults are commenting passive-aggressive ways of saying 'that’s not enough!' Like, what? You can see where spoilt kids get it from. This is a lush little haul, he’ll love it," one defended her.
Another went on: "Society’s problem is they'd rather empty their accounts for Christmas, just so their kids are 'spoilt' but then they get overwhelmed and only play with their toys for an hour each."
"FINALLY someone I can relate to! Your little boy will love them all I'm sure," a third went on.
Topics: Christmas, Money, Cost of Living, Shopping, Parenting
Rhianna Benson