Have you seen this photo doing the rounds? You might have seen it on Instagram, you might have heard about it on Facebook, heck you might even have read about it in the papers or heard it on the radio.
Yep. The Christmas gifts overtaking the Christmas Tree photo that Boss Mum, also known as Emma, posted that has gone viral.
And with all things viral has attracted all sorts of comments, some lovely, some from obvious trolls, some bewildered and some downright nasty cyber bullying.
Is there any need?
Yes, there are a lot of presents. So what?
Yes, £1,500 is a lot of money. That is for her three children and her husband. I think £1,500 is pretty good going personally. I digress. So what that she’s spent £1,500?
Are these presents blocking your view of your tree? Has the money been taken from your bank account?
No.
Then why are you bothered?
Now, I guess you could call me hypocritical by saying why do you feel the need to talk about it and then doing just that. But it irks me when people are downright mean for no reason.
I know that Emma can also stand up for herself.
But that’s not really the point. The point is that it can be lonely doing it on your own. That one hateful comment does a lot more damage than a thousand sweet words can heal. That one hateful comment can bounce around in your head, over and over magnifying it.
That’s not what Christmas spirit is about. That’s not what Christmas joy is. That is most definitely not following the biblical lessons of love thy neighbour or do unto others as you would have done unto you.
Just when did society become so judgey? Is it the rise of social media in our lives and homes, allowing us to share more than ever before, often with complete strangers? Is it just more people have louder opinions these days on what they think (and therefore we should all think) is right?
I think the question you should be asking yourself is WHY are you judging her so strongly? So harshly? Making assumptions on her life that you know nothing about.
That, my friend, says more about you than it does about anyone else.
And Emma? I hope that you delight in your children opening their gifts on Christmas morning. Because there is no better feeling that seeing the utter joy on your child’s face when you know you’ve got something just right. Let no one take that away from you.
Debbie from My Random Musings has written more on this over at “When Strangers Judge!“
Gosh, I take a few days off sick and what do I miss?? I have no idea who this lady is. I’m off to go read. That’s a lot of presents but as you say, not my bank account, so really, not my business! Hope you have a lovely Christmas!
I saw the photo, nearly everywhere and just scrolled right past it. I really haven’t seen what the fuss is about. All I kept thinking was why are the presents under the tree already isn’t she going to wait until Christmas eve, lol! Can’t believe this will be the last #effitfriday for a while. I’m sure I will catch up with you on your blog but have a great Christmas and time away!!
Goodness I hadn’t seen or heard of this picture. I have to say though, posting a picture like that on social media was bound to court judgement… #effitfriday
It didn’t affect me in any way i have to say. One of the tings she says is that she doesn’t buy clothes all year and then then stocks up and wraps them up as gifts at xmas. If other people added up all the random things they bought their children throughout the year the pile would be as big. It’s her choice but it’s like anything, if you make that public you open yourself up to comment. i don’t care but others feel the need to exercise their opinion.
#effitfriday
Totally agree. I would love to be able to by Freddie that amount, I think she is awesome x
What bugs me is if she had bought them all a brand new iPhone, and a laptop, she would have spend around £1500 per child, but people would have looked at the two presents each and probably judged her for not getting them enough! Thanks for hosting #effitfriday and thanks again for the shout out 🙂
Debbie
One of my biggest problems with social media is how easy it is for people to judge others from behind their screens. Really ticks me off
I think it’s just people’s dissatisfaction with their own lives which leads to the endless social media judgement and controversies. Really, we should all count ourselves so lucky that our lives are so good we have the time and resources to get up in arms over how someone else spends their money! 🙂 #effitfriday
I don’t have a problem with spending lots of money on your children. It’s only natural to want to give them everything they’ve ever wanted. However I do question why anyone would post such a picture unless they wanted the attention. (Of course I don’t mean attention in the vile troll like way). No one wants that. I personally want to bring back the magic of Christmas. I used to have a satsuma in my stocking lol and I loved it! Someone else commented my thought- why are the presents there so early? Santa brings them?
I only saw the follow ups so missed the original narkiness on social media. It’s horrible what people say…I personally think it’s a disgusting amount to spend on presents, however, it’s she can afford to do it, and still teaches her kids not to take things for granted, then it’s her choice. The nastiness is uncalled for thought. It’s unlikely to have happened in real life. while it’s wrong, it happens and is known for happening, so she probably should have realised these things would all be said.
To be honest, I am just really impressed. It must have taken her soooo long to wrap all of those presents. I would have been tempted to employ the kids in wrapping the presents for their siblings. #effitfriday
This is a very contentious issue and I can see both points of view (the mum’s Vs the haters!) It’s true we shouldn’t judge, but when you post a picture on social media, looking for interaction or views or feedback, particularly on an open forum like instagram, then you may get feedback you don’t like. My feelings on this would be different to yours I think. It’s not the money or trying to take away from the children’s joy on Christmas day, it’s the question, how much it too much? People are judging because to them, the mother is doing a disservice by over-spoiling and indulging the children. It also likely makes other parents feel bad, that they perhaps struggle to provide even a few presents. So I guess, my opinion would be that, that it’s consumerism gone crazy, that it teaches the children that over-indulgence or ridiculous spending is ok, that a little is not enough. And, from experience, when children get so much that they can’t open, then nothing is generally treasured. There you go, my honest feelings. Thanks for opening the debate! Nicci #effitfriday
PS Happy Christmas!!
I thought it was a bit over the top and show offy. It was a bit predictable that people wouldn’t like it – I wouldn’t have posted such a picture (not that I’d have been able to). People can spend what they like that’s fine – I think it was the posting on social media that I wasn’t so keen on.
I hadn’t seen this until here. If thats what makes her happy and she can afford it then I don’t really see what the big deal is. Ultimately we all over indulgence one way or another over the Christmas period food, drink, gifts – she spent it on the people that mean the most to her rather than a £1500 handbag or similar. Good for her. I wish them a great Christmas just as I do all those who I have come into contact with through this crazy blogger journey Ive been on for the last few months xx.
I’ve not seen any of this until your post, I feel like I must have been living under a rock!! I did a post about the Christmas Mummy Wars myself though and how much it pees me off that everyone thinks they’re entitled to an opinion on what other people choose to spend or buy – news flash: You’re not entitled to an opinion on what any other mother chooses to buy….get a life and worry about your own family?!! I will never understand why people feel the need to involve themselves in other peoples lives, decision making or purchasing!! Truly truly sad xx
I agree with Emma – it’s up to every family to decide how they celebrate their Christmas & how much they spend. If they choose to spend £1500 on Christmas then that’s their business. Someone else might spend that on a holiday instead. To each their own. #effitfriday
I saw this the other day on Good Morning America and wondered why this was news. There’s so much other more important stuff going on to produce news about. And I just didn’t feel like she needed to explain herself to the judgey, selfish people of the land of social media. More power to her if she can buy that many presents and still stick to a budget…kudos!!!! Thanks for hostessing #effitfriday Trista
Not quite sure where I have been but I haven’t seen this photo before. Maybe didn’t notice it because I’m not bothered really. Not quite sure why people are?
I honestly think let people do what ever the hell they want. Its her money and I don’t get why people have to stick their noses in. In all honesty we could give her a bloody good run for her money and i don’t care less what people think. people need to worry less about what others are doing and concentrate on their own family.