Pressure on parents for Instagram-worthy Christmas

Christmas can be a challenging time for many families, especially those facing financial difficulties. In the past, children would eagerly flip through toy catalogs, circling their favorite items in hopes of receiving them from Santa. However, in today's world, social media has become the new catalog, where influencers showcase the latest toys and gadgets. This shift has led to increased pressure on parents, making an already stressful season even more overwhelming. Parenting blogger Charlotte Harding expressed her concerns about the rising costs of Christmas gifts this year, stating that it has been 'quite stressful. ' As her boys grow older, the items on their wish lists have become more expensive, with game consoles and concert tickets topping the list. Additionally, the costs don't stop at the big gifts; even advent calendars can set parents back around £25, which is quite a lot for something meant to build excitement leading up to Christmas. Charlotte also mentioned that she has heard of young girls asking for beauty advent calendars that can cost hundreds of pounds. She believes that social media plays a significant role in shaping children's Christmas lists, particularly with younger influencers promoting various products. 'Children don’t understand the price of these items, and parents are really starting to feel the pressure,' she noted. The financial strain doesn't end with presents. Social media trends, such as Elf on the Shelf and various festive events, are also contributing to the rising costs associated with the holiday season. Parent blogger Stephanie Handwell shared her experiences with these trends, recalling how she has felt the pressure to participate in them. She mentioned popular experiences like the Polar Express and afternoon tea with Santa, reflecting on her own childhood memories. 'When I was a child, I saw Santa just once, and it was still magical,' she reminisced. Stephanie has made a conscious decision to simplify her holiday plans, as she doesn't want to create unrealistic expectations for herself or her family. Caitlin Acreman, an influencer known for sharing budget-friendly tips on her Instagram page, has also scaled back her Christmas-related content due to the ongoing cost of living crisis. 'You can still have an amazing Christmas and create lasting memories without breaking the bank,' she emphasized. Caitlin enjoys seeing others celebrate the holiday season online but believes that 'comparison is the thief of joy. ' She aims to show her followers that, as a mother of two, she is constantly finding ways to save money and make the most of the holiday season. Cathrine Jansson-Boyd, a professor of consumer psychology, highlighted that Christmas can be a complicated time for many individuals, especially with the added pressure to be happy. 'If you can’t afford a lavish Christmas meal or gifts, it can leave people feeling inadequate or lonely,' she explained. Fiona Barnard, who runs the Life of a Crazy Mum blog, echoed these sentiments, stating that Christmas can be particularly tough for those dealing with mental health and financial challenges. 'More often than not, all children want during Christmas is to spend time with their family and loved ones,' she said. Fiona believes that the focus should shift back to the true essence of Christmas, which is about family, love, and togetherness, rather than the accumulation of material possessions.