Is this a mean thing to do on Christmas Day?

[AFewScrewsLucy]

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?

Mean very mean

What would this really achieve? It’s horrible.

Please don't do this. Terrible idea.

Also, don't tell children that you can't afford something if it isn't true. (Just because you could afford it does not mean you have to buy it for them).

Awful

A good friends mum used to pull shit like this.
Friend left home at 17 and has been no contact since.

Mean. I had a 10 y o who still believed. But in our house Santa only brings presents that fit in the stocking and no electronics

Mean

Really mean. And weird. What kind of person thinks like that?

Mean

Oh my god, SO mean. And they will NEVER forget it

Nooo why would you do this, mean and nasty

I’m confused, why do your kids think Santa brings big, high-value presents? It’s a stocking with small things isn’t it?

This gets put in the same bin as parents who chuck a ‘present’ (really an empty wrapped up box) on the fire in front of the kid to tech them a lesson, or say they ate all their Easter chocolate whilst they were asleep and then shout joke whilst their kids are in tears.
i once knew a mum who had two fairly ‘difficult’ boys who’s behaviour was not great. They were around 6 and 8 when their mother put a real lump of coal in their stocking one Christmas. No other presents at all on Christmas Day. Just the lump of coal. I could have cried when I heard that.

I don't get it? Why if you've bought them one not just let them have one last year fully believing? What are you gaining apart from upsetting them all day christmas day? If you really can't afford it by 9 you could just come clean about santa, but you have bought them one so what's your thinking here?

No!!! I tell my kids Santa doesn't bring electronics that's a mum and dad thing as it's very expensive and will be yourmain present . If you are lucky 😉

Father Christmas brings my kids 1 thing they asked for rest is from mum dad and family.

Mean.

Bloody mean.

I don't really see the point, what is it teaching anyway if you then give the gift? Just give the gift

Very mean. Why would you contemplate such an approach???

100% mean. Why would you do that - it’s just be really cruel. The more I think about it the more I think it’s disgusting that you’re thinking of doing this. I really don’t understand your thinking.

My kids have always been told Santa brings the presents but I pay for them. Works well for us. Why would your friend want an upset child all Christmas Day?

Not for many people no. When I was a child Father Christmas brought everything on Xmas morning. As a child of the 80’s it was the same for every friend I knew.
I continue that with my kids. Father Christmas brings everything. It works for us.

Do you really mean this? Seems absolutely bad. let the child enjoy a (maybe) last mystical Christmas. Don't be nasty.

Show her this thread

So very mean.

Just why would you upset a child in this way?!?!?!?