Some time ago, my husband and I read about children from lower socio-economic backgrounds who felt left out or let down this time of year because “Santa” had got them something much smaller or less extravagant than what he had got their friends. It was a revelation that broke my heart, and it prompted us to revise the way we approach Christmas with our own children: making the more expensive presents as gifts courtesy of mum and dad, and the less expensive – but certainly still fun – gifts as presents that came from Santa.
It was our way of celebrating this period a little more consciously and ethically: taking great care not to deprive our own children of the joy and sparkle of the season, while also demonstrating that it’s a time for us to think of others who might not be able to take part in the festivities in the way that they would like.
