Mom Asks If She Was Wrong To Just Give Money For Everyone On Christmas

Christmas can bring out the best, and the most awkward, in family gift-giving. For one mom, the holiday became less about wrapping paper and more about whether cash counts as a thoughtful present.

She decided to give everyone in her family money instead of shopping for individual gifts, and that choice did not land well with everyone. What she saw as practical, others saw as lazy, and the reaction quickly turned into a family debate.

Now the internet has weighed in, and the question is whether she really did anything wrong.

Here is the original question and story which she posted on Reddit.

This 45-year-old mother of two teenagers explained that she is fully aware that she is a horrible gift-giver and has been told this many times. Having a hard time remembering what others like and dislike, she decided to give her family (husband and kids) $300 each.

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But this is what happened when she handed each one of them an envelope containing $300.

Instead of appreciating her gifts, her daughter freaked out. Her son had the same reaction.

Then her children's reactions were echoed by her husband. They called her lazy for her effortless gift.

via: moneygifts

This mom explained to them why it had to be that way.

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The family did not exactly take the news quietly.

Let us check how the community reacted to her story. This one says she even receives cash gifts from her parents too.

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The children are ungrateful. They both feel entitled.

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These children want to give their mom a hard time.

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Money is fine. Maybe she can ask for a Christmas list next time.

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This person thinks she’s TA. As the mother, she should be the first to know about her children's likes and dislikes.

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Some commenters were firmly on her side, while others thought the whole thing was a mess.

This is similar to asking for a cash gift back after a cousin spent it on designer clothes.

Here’s a mother who gave her son money for Christmas and was happy with it.

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Next time, donate (to a charity connected to their interests) in their names.

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Cash is a wonderful gift.

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This parent did something similar for her children as well.

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Meanwhile, this person thinks she’s TA as she’s a parent but finds it hard to remember anything they like.

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Interestingly, this person finds everyone wrong – mom, husband, and children.

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For this person, she’s TA for not taking the time to know her family well.

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Everyone is TA as the mom didn’t exert any effort, and the family for not suggesting other solutions.

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Well, $300 sounds like a well-thought-out gift.

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This kid thinks she’s TA for her lack of effort.

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She must take the money back and donate it instead!

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A good present but with a poor presentation.

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Cancel Christmas next year!

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The kids are ungrateful.

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She’s TA. Money is a sign that she has given up.

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The overall verdict is: she is not the A**hole (NTA). Some think that everyone is TA, but most of the people who reacted sided with her.

What about you? Would you prefer to receive cash instead of material things? What do you intend to give as gifts for Christmas?

As for me, as long as it is given wholeheartedly, then there is no room for complaining. After all, it is always the thought that counts.

Cash may be simple, but family feelings are rarely that easy.

Wondering how cash gifts can backfire, see what happened when a birthday mom faced money expectations from a friend.