What A Heart Warming Story

[Spicerack]

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/struggling-dad-raises-more-2k-13616632#comments-section

[ummmm]

My friend never used to get presents from her parents. She used to come to school after the holidays and just lie about what she got. Her parents weren't skint. Italian hard working family who didn't get sucked into it all...

They didn't go without inbetween.

[rowanwitch]

I suppose with Dad dying when we were so young the family overcompensated a bit. Didn't get the bike I really wanted but did get my first grown up sewing machine. Mostly I just asked for paints and sketchpads.

[Ken4155]

And if your friend went on to have children of her own, i'll bet she spoiled them rotten at Christmas.

[ummmm]

She's got 3 and I don't think she does spoil them at all.

I was quite spoilt but in a nice way. We were taught to appreciate everything and don't expect anything. Never disappointed then.

That's what's missing with some (not all)

[Samuraisan]

Bet he doesn't donate to any other crowdfunding "in the new year"

[Rockrose]

OK so he's had a hard time, but his children should be taught that gifts are not everything.
I remember my own parents going through a tough time when we were kids - they sat us down and explained that there wasn't enough money for lots of presents at Christmas. We accepted it as our parents took the time to explain it.

[Mamyalynne]

One of the most important lessons we teach our children is that things sometimes have to change, Mum's not well and Dad's work is short so this Christmas will be less lavish.

The story does show a nice side regarding those who have donated but let's hope the little ones don't grow to think that's how life works.

As for the trolling they received , well I can't say what I'd like to say.

[emmie]

thought i was being a bit mean thinking perhaps he shouldn't have crowd funded like this, but seems others feel the same in some respects.

[Ken4155]

Don't know how old you are, ummmm, but i'm 63 and i, too, was always grateful for what i received for Christmas and birthdays. However, that was then but in today's technological age, parents are under so much more pressure than were ours. Social media, tv and newspaper adverts - all of which our children are privy to. I certainly wouldn't want to be the parent of a young child, today.

[ummmm]

I'm 45. My youngest is 20.

That is exactly why I despise Christmas. TV adverts, shops with their Christmas displays in October....it's just all pressure. Even you can afford it it's still pressure. Pressure for perfectly wrapped presents, the perfect tree, the lovely looking dinner with goodness knows how many sides. It's just wrong on all levels.

I don't celebrate xmas.

[ummmm]

Although I do like the family aspect of it when they're all off work...but this year is going to be different.

[Patsy33]

I admire you for that ummmm.

[Rockrose]

Ken - they are the parents, they should manage the kids expectations! To say they are under pressure is a cop out for bad parenting.

[ummmm]

RR - It's the TV, media, and peers that put the pressure on. There is no escaping it.

[ummmm]

And what really pees me off is when adverts say 'only £49.99' or such like. They make it sound like pennies...

[Rockrose]

But again parenting is about responsibility.
I don't know about you ummm but if I wanted something that my parents could not afford - I was told in no uncertain terms. Yes I would sulk but knew better than to continue midering about it.

[tamborine]

xmas in my childhood was school nativity play, home decor was building a Bethlehem scene, carol singing for money to buy/make pressies (toffee apples, sweets, cakes) midnight mass & exchange gifts, play cards/board games that might be an xmas pressie, stocking stuffed with fruit & nuts & xmas chicken lunch/dinner. We were 5 siblings = best companions ever

[ummmm]

I don't remember ever asking for something specific or being asked what we wanted. We got what we were given. To my mums credit though she bought great presents.

[Bazile]

ummmm

//It shouldn't be, Ken.

//My wealthy aunt used to give us a chocolate orange every year. I like chocolate orange so I was happy with that :-) //

What did she do with all her money - leave it to you :-)

[ummmm]

She's still alive :-)