The tradition of children circling their favourite toys in Christmas catalogues has given way to social media hauls, where influencers showcase the latest trends and products, creating new pressures for parents during the festive season. As Christmas approaches, many parents are finding the cost of gifts and experiences a stressful burden, driven in part by the influence of social media.
Parenting blogger Charlotte Harding expressed frustration over the rising cost of Christmas presents. “As the boys have got older, the presents have become more expensive,” she said. This year, gaming consoles and concert tickets top her children’s wish lists, but Harding also noted the added expense of other festive items. “The boys have asked for advent calendars that are about £25 each, which is almost a Christmas present in itself,” she explained. She also mentioned seeing young girls request beauty advent calendars costing hundreds of pounds.
Harding believes social media plays a significant role in shaping children’s expectations. “Younger and younger influencers are advertising products, and children don’t understand the price tags,” she said. “Parents are feeling the pressure, especially when it comes to what kids see online.”
Beyond gifts, social media-driven trends like Elf on the Shelf, Christmas Eve Boxes, and seasonal experiences are also contributing to the rising costs. “The latest trend I’ve seen is a plane ride to see Santa,” said parenting blogger Stephanie Handwell, who runs Welsh Mummy Steph. “When I was a child, I saw Santa once, and it was magical. But now, it’s all about experiences like the Polar Express, Santa teas, and other high-cost events.” Handwell acknowledged feeling the pressure of social trends but has since scaled back her own involvement. “I’ve minimized my PR calendar because it creates expectations I don’t want to meet,” she said.
Caitlin Acreman, who runs the Haul at 4 Instagram page, has also scaled back her Christmas content due to the cost-of-living crisis. “You can still have an amazing Christmas and make memories on a budget,” she said, adding that while she enjoys seeing others celebrate online, she believes “comparison is the thief of joy.”
Cathrine Jansson-Boyd, a professor of consumer psychology at Anglia Ruskin University, said Christmas can be especially challenging for those facing financial strain. “The pressure to have a perfect Christmas can leave people feeling inadequate or lonely,” she explained. “Financial difficulties can change how people perceive the festive season.”
Fiona Barnard, who runs the Life of a Crazy Mum blog, agrees that Christmas is about more than spending money. “It’s about spending time with family and loved ones,” she said. “We need to bring it back to basics, focusing on love and togetherness, not overspending.”
