22 December 2023 , 15:34
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Most parents go the extra mile at Christmas time.
There's usually a huge tree drowning in tinsel and baubles, Elf on the Shelf causes mayhem all month long, and you may even take the little ones to see Santa in his Grotto. These traditions help keep the magic of Christmas alive, but one family has sworn against them for good.
In fact, Michelle Foulia says her family don't celebrate the festive period at all, and all of her kids have been told the truth about Santa Claus. So, don't expect any carrots on the front porch left for Rudolph this year - and don't think about knocking on the door to sing Silent Night.
The 49-year-old, who is from North Wales, says she found the whole Christmas build up 'overwhelming' due to her ADHD. Her kids, who are now aged 12,15, and 20 also felt the same way.
Now, Foulia and her kids Mihalis, Vangelis, and Areti, let the Christmas break slip pass without making a fuss. She has no regrets, saying her previous efforts to conform to the festive cheer left her financially and socially stressed out.
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The mum said: "Lying to my children never felt right, not even for 'fun'. They never believed in Santa. Even when little and we would go to places with a Santa, I would tell them it was someone dressed as Santa for the festivities."
The mum says she feels 'liberated' for going against the norm (Jam Press/Michelle Foulia)Want to avoid the doom and gloom? Get the latest positive news sent straight to your inbox with our Bright Stuff newsletter
Foulia said it was hard to justify the concept of a Santa when some parents can't afford lavish gifts for their kids, while others can. "With Santa, there are so many stories, versions of the story and some are very dark too," she added. "The whole thing gives me the creeps."
The mum says her family's new tradition has brought an element of calm to the family, and allowed them to be 'more connected'. She described the de-Christmas attitude as 'liberating' and is happy to not be part of all the "crazy spending, stress, food waste, conflict in families, debt, family fallouts, and marriage breakdowns" that can occur on the big day.
However, Foulia and her children still exchange gifts to celebrate the end of the year. "We do presents and a special meal with all their favourite treats," she says.
"We use the day as a time of connection, to reflect on the year that has passed, to go for a walk if we feel like it, to discuss plans for the future, to evaluate everything and prepare for the new year ahead. We will chat, laugh, maybe play some games, maybe not, it's very relaxed with no expectations.”
Are you ditching Christmas this year? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below