‘I Can’t Afford Christmas Presents For My Kids, So I’ll Have To Tell Them Truth About Santa’

A mom shared in a sad TikTok clip that she’ll have to end her children’s dream about Santa early as she doesn’t think she’s financially able to buy them gifts for Christmas this year. She vented out on TikTok as the 30-year-old looked stressed out with her situation, joining among those who’ve been severely affected by UK’s housing and financial crisis this year.

Scottish mom Rachel has four children who are all under 10 and was previously a working mom.

As the cost of living crisis continues to roll on, Christmas is predicted to be less festive this year for many families, and millions revealed they’re spending less on gifts. Unfortunately, many won’t be buying at all and Rachel is one of them.

The 30-year-old has been relying on Universal Credit and working hasn’t been visible lately as she has her plate full with just taking care of her children.

“If I had family to help me I’d go back to work. People say I’m sitting on my backside all day, but I’ve been a working mum and now I’m a stay-at-home mum and feel like I’m doing the job of ten people.”

“At least being at work I’d be able to have a cup of tea and a sit-down. I used to be a manager for Samsung when I’d had my son, who’s now eight, and worked up the ladder so I could afford nursery fees and have a living wage, but then I got pregnant with my daughter who is now five, and I had every intention of going back, as I loved my job.”

“When I started looking at nursery places and the cost of nursery and after-school care for two, it was costing around £1,800 which understandably ruined my salary. I could work 50 hours a week and be lucky to have £50 a month left, or I could stay at home and be the one to raise my kids rather than someone else, whilst in the same financial position.”

Rachel has since been criticized by people who said she shouldn’t have had so many kids and work.

She spoke in the video, “People assume I don’t want to work but I would love to! No one in their right mind would work 50 hours a week for nothing. I feel trapped because my youngest is 19 months old, so he isn’t close to starting school yet.”

“We’re raising four kids on the money given to raise two kids. One is my husband’s child from a previous relationship, and one is mine from a previous relationship and then we had two together and didn’t discuss having any more as I was on the pill when I fell pregnant.”

“I then fell pregnant with my youngest whilst on the coil so it’s not like we hadn’t tried to not have any more,” Rachel continued. “But to be honest, it’s no one’s business about my contraception. I hate the assumption people have telling me I shouldn’t have popped out kids I can’t afford.”

“We’re just surviving! We play roulette with our direct debits, whoever comes to us first can have the money. Will it be the gas and electric or the car finance?”

“I don’t feel like we’re built to just survive and have no enjoyment, I should be able to buy my kids clothes without stressing. I’ve been sewing up the same pair of my own leggings for four years!”

“People who say they don’t understand and have never been in this position, I tell them, if I got a job, who would look after my kids? I can’t return them or leave them in the house. Someone even said I should work night shifts, but what do I do with my 18-month-old? I wouldn’t survive.”

“People want to offer solutions without thinking if it’s even possible. I’ve heard every solution under the sun!”

Rachel has been visiting charity shops, opting for cheaper diets, and curbing on snacks. She’s also sold her husband’s smartphone for extra dollars.

“I just want to make my kids happy. I don’t want them to feel embarrassed and as a parent you’ll do anything. I’m always thinking of ways. It’s horrific leading up to Christmas, it makes me physically ill. My daughter has her birthday just before Christmas as well so I’m essentially Christmas shopping for four and birthday shopping as well which then feels like I’m shopping for five.”

“I’ve never bought my husband a gift and he hasn’t for me, not even chocolate, everything goes to the kids! It can make you feel ashamed when you take something for free, it’s almost like begging and knocks your pride, but the stakes get higher and higher. We’re fighting an impossible battle.”

“What do I do when the kids get older and want more expensive clothes as their friends are wearing it? If no one speaks out, nothing will change and people will feel alone. I know I’m not the only one in this situation, and I know there are people who are in worse positions, but I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy.”

“Other opinions don’t matter to me but when people think I’m lazy and don’t work hard, it’s not fair. I wish I could work. If people lived my life, I’d love them to tell me where you can fit a job in?”