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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To dislike the Christmas jumper day

123 replies

wintersbranches · 07/12/2016 16:12

My school are doing it. I know it's optional but let's face it, there's pressure even from adults to conform.

It's to support a local worthy charity but wouldn't it be so much better if we could give £1 to the charity and save however much on buying a stupid jumper?

OP posts:

SpiritedLondon · 07/12/2016 17:52

I found one on eBay for a few pounds so not so bad. My issue is the amount of stuff the school expect you to come up with. In the last couple of weeks we've had parents evening, school disco (£4), non uniform day ( chocolate bar contribution) Christmas fair ( purchase of my DD's homemade candle holders £4 plus various other expenditure ). Next week a carol concert ( in Christmas jumper) which I need half days holiday AND a separate Christmas jumper day (£1). The email from the class rep has just been sent re a class collection for the teacher with one parent suggesting a contribution of £10!

SVJAA · 07/12/2016 17:53

wintersbranches we don't live in an affluent area at all, yet everyone has busted a gut to fill the charity hamper. There was meant to be one and they've ended up filling 5 so far! Don't get me wrong, I'm happy to contribute for that and also the bake sales to raise money for the nursery/school, but it's the jumpers on top that made me go especially with 2 days sodding notice

Original poster

wintersbranches · 07/12/2016 17:53

That's bonkers!

OP posts:

Original poster

wintersbranches · 07/12/2016 17:54

Yes exactly SV, we'd probably do MORE good for the charity with a normal non uniform day and a few games costing 50p each or so!

OP posts:

ShatnersBassoon · 07/12/2016 17:55

Speak up for the masses then, and tell the Head that the fundraising activity is poorly thought out and unfair.

Original poster

wintersbranches · 07/12/2016 17:55

I really want to but I don't dare. Plus it has been established as a fact now. I might raise it next year if I am still there.

OP posts:

SVJAA · 07/12/2016 17:57

wintersbranches exactly! It's the pressure on kids and parents that I don't like. And next week I've got 3 pantos and a soft play day out too, although at least we were given fair warning on those and time to pay. Our parents committee actually started a fund so that parents who are unable to pay for these things at short notice aren't left out and their kids are included. We're not well off, but we manage. However in the past (and potentially in the future) I know fine what it's like to struggle for basics let alone extras, and it's horrible.

ShatnersBassoon · 07/12/2016 17:57

Of course it's not too late to loosen the stupid rules. Toughen up and speak up.

Original poster

wintersbranches · 07/12/2016 17:58

Really and truly I would be finding myself on a fast track out of there in 2017.

OP posts:

ShatnersBassoon · 07/12/2016 18:02

It's highly unlikely you'd be removed from employment because you dared to state the bleeding obvious, but if that's your excuse you'd better stick to it.

Original poster

wintersbranches · 07/12/2016 18:04

Shatners, if I identified myself as a 'troublemaker' I would quickly find myself out of a job, yes. Plus I know it wouldn't change anything.

OP posts:

KatherinaMinola · 07/12/2016 18:04

I think your problem is that you are far too compliant. Your employer cannot force you to buy a Christmas jumper.

interstellarcloudofdust · 07/12/2016 18:05

YANBU.

I hate xmas jumpers. Don't understand why people are in such a rush to wear nasty cheap jumpers that are uncomfortable to wear and look hideous. I've yet to see anyone look good in one. I wouldn't wear one if it was given to me, let alone buy one.

Original poster

wintersbranches · 07/12/2016 18:05

Oh no, I'm not bothered about me. I am bothered about the children.

OP posts:

GiddyOnZackHunt · 07/12/2016 18:07

Yanbu. I've had to buy jumpers. It's fine, we can afford to, but it is buying pointless stuff that only benefits the shops.

BabooshkaKate · 07/12/2016 18:15

I wear the same jumper each year and I got it from a charity shop. This will be its 4th Christmas! No I'm not one of those people, I buy things new too, just depends on the item etc

I personally like it but Im then again I don't see why people can't just keep their Christmas jumper, why does it need to be a new one each year?

ghostspirit · 07/12/2016 18:21

Unless I happen to find a bargain wich I doubt I'm telling my kids no. If we have a top they can add a bit of tinsel to fine otherwise no.

whatsagoodusername · 07/12/2016 18:25

This year our school asked for donations of outgrown Christmas jumpers and sold them cheap (£3?) as a fundraiser. It made a lot of money for the school and the parents loved it because it saved them a lot of money.

It probably wouldn't help this year, but you could suggest it for next year?

Tarla · 07/12/2016 18:46

The DCs school is having Christmas jumper day. If they wear a Christmas jumper they can go in non-union, including the jumper. If they don't wear a Christmas jumper, they have to wear their normal uniform. I think it's unfair on the children who can't participate for whatever reason (e.g., parents can't afford Christmas jumpers) as they'll be immediately singled out by the fact that they're in uniform when the majority of other children aren't. It should be non-uniform day for all with a nominal donation of £1 and optional Christmas theme. This has been suggested to school and rejected.

Tarla · 07/12/2016 18:47

babooshka, children (especially younger children) tend to grow too quickly to use the same jumper each year.

HelenaDove · 07/12/2016 19:04

Schools entering into the spirit of Christmas and showing goodwill to all men.........oh wait

Original poster

wintersbranches · 07/12/2016 19:32

I did have a jumper one year but I don't actually know where it is. But anyway I think even if you do 'recycle' every year there is still that year you had to buy it if you see what I mean.

OP posts:

SukeyTakeItOffAgain · 07/12/2016 19:36

I really feel uncomfortable about it. Buying horrible disposable plastic jumpers made in sweatshops which will get a couple if wears.

LittleBusses · 07/12/2016 19:53

I'm nodding away at wintersbranches.

I don't like the pressure either (pressure seen on this very thread). If I want to wear something, then fine. If I don't, then I don't want to be peer pressured into something ( nor the children). I don't care if it's just a few pounds.

Not everyone has a few pounds. If you are overdrawn before payday, you don't even have pennies.

Not wanting to wear a jumper doesn't make me, or anyone else, a Scrooge...

NatashaRomanov · 07/12/2016 19:54

Would be worth contacting the charity, anonymously if you wish, and telling them what the school is doing? If they are a 'worthy' charity, I doubt they would like being associated with a school rule that has the potential to upset children.

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