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MUM-GUILT is rife at Christmas, with the pressure of providing for your kids at an all-time high.
But when do you admit that your efforts may not even be remembered, let alone appreciated?
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One parent is facing mum-shamers online for putting together a Christmas Eve box for her 9 month old.
The goodie boxes, which have become hugely popular among parents online, have a mysterious history.
Some claim they stem from the traditional German custom of opening presents the night before Christmas, while others believe they are just another excuse for parents to fork out for gifts.
They typically contain special treats for Christmas Eve – pyjamas, hot chocolate, fluffy socks and festive films.
One anonymous mother has dealt with backlash after taking to Facebook to ask for ‘Ideas for a Christmas Eve box for a 9 month old!’
Commenters were left divided.
One wrote: “I’m planning on getting my baba a toy with his name and with ‘my first Christmas’ engraved on it, as well as personalised book about his first Christmas, it’s full of colours and cute little story
“I’m planning on telling him when he grows up a little that it was his first present from Santa”
While another suggested: “Last year I done my boy a movie night in his Christmas Eve box, so I put a ticket in there for the polar express and hot chocolate bomb, new pjs and a cookie making kit, he was 12m but I still think it’s a good idea as it’s making memories”
Other suggestions included a Christmas bib, socks, a new rattle, blanket and a commemorative ‘first Christmas’ tree decoration.
But not everybody was so enthusiastic about the idea.
One stumped reader wrote: “I didn’t know about this ‘tradition’. I was born in 1948.
“I know it wasn’t done whilst my children or grandchildren were growing up. When did it begin?”
Another user put bluntly: “He doesn’t need one lol.”
A sentiment echoed by another, who said: “Why the hell would you bother?”
While someone else despaired: “My god, what have we become?”
Commenters couldn’t agree on whether the Christmas Eve goodies were just further excessive spending, or an opportunity to commemorate sentimental memories.
Ideas for gifts that wouldn’t end up forgotten and in landfill included: “I bought my daughter a Victoria plum wind up musical Doll.
“It was one of Angela Rippon’s collection.
“She was 11 months old on her first Christmas, she is now in her Forties and it is still going strong, pride of place on her dresser.
“So get something she will want to keep and you look after it till she can.”
One good Samaritan suggested: “New parents. Why don’t you donate something to a child who wakes up Xmas day with nothing”
While another financially-savvy user suggested: “Premium bonds”
How to save money on Christmas shopping
Consumer reporter Sam Walker reveals how you can save money on your Christmas shopping.
Limit the amount of presents – buying presents for all your family and friends can cost a bomb.
Instead, why not organise a Secret Santa between your inner circles so you’re not having to buy multiple presents.
Plan ahead – if you’ve got the stamina and budget, it’s worth buying your Christmas presents for the following year in the January sales.
Make sure you shop around for the best deals by using price comparison sites so you’re not forking out more than you should though.
Buy in Boxing Day sales – some retailers start their main Christmas sales early so you can actually snap up a bargain before December 25.
Delivery may cost you a bit more, but it can be worth it if the savings are decent.
Shop via outlet stores – you can save loads of money shopping via outlet stores like Amazon Warehouse or Office Offcuts.
They work by selling returned or slightly damaged products at a discounted rate, but usually any wear and tear is minor.
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