Christmas
Is this a mean thing to do on Christmas Day?
AFewScrewsLucy · 10/12/2022 19:09
Imagine you are the parent here.
You have a 9 yo, who turned 9 in early October.
They still believe in father Christmas (yes, really)
They have asked for an iPad.
You've told 9yo you can't afford it, so can't have it.
9yo says "it's OK, Santa will get it for me" and then proceeds to tell everyone they know since November that they're getting an iPad for Christmas.
You are actually buying the iPad for them.
But, you have decided that to teach them to be more humble, you're going to pretend that Santa hasn't brought the iPAD when you all open presents in the morning. And you're going to "find" the iPad at the back of the tree at some point in the evening,.and give it to them then.
Full context, you also have a just turned 6yo and 7yo who will be receiving their Santa present in the morning. (Barbie Dream House and Switch)
What do you think? Mean? Or fine?
.cata09x · 10/12/2022 19:14
I've never understood allowing Santa to give presents of that value😅. I think it's unfair for kids to then compare seeing as some won't receive much at all from Santa.
Growing up I had a stocking from Father Christmas then rest of gifts from family etc, I ended up not believing in santa past 6 as my friend told me he got her a computer😂
AFewScrewsLucy · 10/12/2022 19:15
I'm not the parent. Btw.
My friend is going to do this.
I'm trying to guage if my reaction/thoughts are "right". I'm thinking it's a fucking pointless and mean thing to do and the kid will be miserable and confused the entire day and will (quite rightly) be upset by it all and end up angry/crying etc
And probably never forgive or forget the "lesson".
Fairislefandango · 10/12/2022 19:15
Really mean.
The child is presumably saying this because they believe Father Christmas is real, and because from what they've learned about Father Christmas, he brings you what you want. That's not the same as being spoiled and grabby, so why on earth would you want teach the child a mean lesson?!
This is imo the massive potential pitfall of having Father Christmas bring the big/main present(s). In our house he just fills the stocking with little bits and bobs. So my children wouldn't expect to get whatever they wanted, at any price, as main presents.
ChocolateTea · 10/12/2022 19:15
Mean.
I still remember the year I didn’t get a “big” present and both my sisters did. Turned out mine was a bike in the kitchen my parents went “surprise” over when they started cooking dinner. I was so upset that tinged it and I hated that bike because all it did was remind me how shit I felt christmas morning
what would be the point? He still believes. Let him. Don’t be an arse.
Drcoxisafox · 10/12/2022 19:15
That’s really mean. Of course they believe Santa will get it - they’ve been taught Santa exists and is magic! They don’t need to be more humble - they just have a firm belief in the magic of Christmas you’ve brought them up with.
I think it’s quite cruel frankly. Especially giving the sibling their Santa present early on. It’s like you’re punishing the child for believing in Santa.
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