Charity Reveals the Strain on Families this Christmas

• In Yorkshire and the Humber, over a half of parents/carers surveyed (51%) feel like they have failed their child/children if they can't provide them with the presents, they ask for this year
• Almost two thirds (61%) of parents/carers surveyed in Yorkshire and the Humber, are planning to give their children more practical presents this year, such as schoolbooks, clothes, or bedding, rather than the ‘fun’ gifts that typically bring joy on Christmas morning.
• In Yorkshire and the Humber, 41% of parents/carers surveyed will go without things in the run up to Christmas to enable them to afford to buy presents this year.

The need is more significant than ever, as Family Action’s research shows that concerns over finances may also be impacting children’s wellbeing.

A quarter of parents/carers surveyed in Yorkshire and the Humber are concerned that their children will themselves be worried about the cost of Christmas and family finances this year and over a quarter (28%) have had to manage their child/children's expectations around Santa due to financial constraints this year.

Last year, Family Action’s Toy Appeal provided over 15,000 gifts to children across the country and this year the charity is aiming to do more and ensure that every child that Family Action supports experiences the magic of Christmas morning.

Family Action CEO, Sir David Holmes CBE, said: “Our research has revealed the heartbreaking impact that financial pressures are having on families this Christmas. Many parents are worried that their children might feel they’ve been ‘naughty’ or that they’ve done something wrong if Santa doesn’t come, and we know this may lead to them needing to have difficult discussions with their children as a result.

"Every family has its own story, and some are more difficult than others. This year even more families are going without and are struggling to keep the magic of Christmas alive. It is extremely sad to hear that many parents and carers feel that they have failed their children as they simply can’t afford to buy the gifts their children are hoping for.”

With the cost-of-living crisis continuing to affect families across the UK, Family Action is urging communities to come together to help bring joy to children and young people who might otherwise go without and to ensure that no child misses out on the joy of unwrapping a special present on Christmas morning.

Sir David Holmes CBE concludes: “By supporting our Toy Appeal, you can help bring the magic back to a family’s Christmas, making a world of difference to parents and children facing tough times.

To donate or find out more about how you can support Family Action’s Toy Appeal, visit https://family-action.org.uk/give-support/toy-appeal/

Your gift, no matter how small, can bring a smile to a child’s face and light up a family’s Christmas.