Mum divides opinion by admitting her controversial Christmas rule that she claims ‘spreads out the magic’
A WOMAN has ruffled feathers by saying that she lets her children open Christmas presents as and when they get them.
Her reasoning was that opening a tonne of presents on the big day can be “overwhelming” for the little ones and it’s nice to “spread out” the magic.
She posted her thoughts on Mumsnet and detailed how she likes to offer family and friends “the pleasure of watching the child open the present in person”.
The mum also doesn’t want to faff around with video calling gift givers on Christmas Day for them to see her child open their gift.
She penned: “I’d always let mine open them when they get them, if handed them personally by a family member or friend.
“Because one, it gives the gift giver the pleasure of watching the child open the present in person.
“And two, it spreads things out a bit for the child so they don’t get completely overwhelmed by loads and loads of presents on Christmas Day
“My husband and I both have quite large families so doing a ‘Christmas Day’ celebration with part of the family where we exchange gifts and have a roast a week or two early is totally normal.
“Obviously if someone is sending a gift and it arrives before Christmas it’d go under the tree to be opened on Christmas Day.”
Her festive take was met with lots of controversy, with people even branding the mum weird.
One stern parent said: “There is absolutely no way I would let my kids open a Christmas present before Christmas Day.
“I can’t fathom allowing them to open something before then.
“That’s weird!”
Another critiqued: “Goodness, I’d be shocked if I gave someone a wrapped Christmas present only to have them unwrap it on the stop before Christmas.”
A third added: “You are giving a gift for Christmas, so it gets opened on Christmas.
“You can then let the giver know how well the present went down after.
“You give because you know they’ll like it (hopefully, if you’re not lazy or thoughtless), not to see their reaction.”
However, some parents applauded the idea and said they like to do the same.
One supporter said: “Growing up this is what we did.
“I’m a nanny and love giving gifts and really appreciate when parents let me open them with the child.
“It also allows them time to enjoy it before the barrage of gifts on the day.”