Mom ‘Cancels Christmas’ And Returns Kids’ Gifts To Teach Lesson: Says Sons Act ‘Entitled’ And ‘Ungrateful’

A mom “cancels Christmas” for her three kids and returns their holiday presents because she says they act “entitled” and “ungrateful.” It’s a hard lesson for John and Lisa Henderson’s sons to learn, but the parents feel strongly this is the best way to go about it.

ABC News interviews the Hendersons and delves more into what made them decide to leave out gift-giving this year with sons Caleb, 11, Davis, 8, and Beckham, 5.

“They had been acting up quite a bit, and weren’t very grateful for the things they had,” says Lisa.

The boys’ mother and father say it’s been unbearable dealing with their latest behavior because they’ve been disrespectful and entitled to things while not appreciating what they have. The oldest, Caleb, says he and his brothers “would hit each other, we were fighting. Crying.”

Running low on options since time-outs weren’t making any difference, John suggested to his wife they cancel Christmas presents for the kids this year. She agreed.

The determined mom admits their children weren’t one bit happy about the decision.

“They cried pretty hard,” Lisa says.

Lisa has a blog called Over the Big Moon, where she explains the decision she and her husband made over their three kids this Christmas. She reveals that the money that would have gone towards the boys’ gifts will be used to buy for the needy.

A mixture of reactions showed up on Lisa’s blog. Some accuse her of taking the magic of Christmas away from the kids, or bash her by saying she’s a lazy mother who doesn’t want to accept that children can be this way when it comes to what they want for the holidays. Several, however, admire Lisa and her husband for the stand they’re taking as a way to teach their kids not to feel so entitled and spoiled.

Lisa was asked by ABC News how she feels about the response she’s gotten from critics since being known as the mom who cancels Christmas.

“I think they’re the people that are causing this problem. How many times do parents threaten if you’re naughty no Santa will come. I never hear any parents actually follow through on that.”

According to the report, the kids are already learning their lessons. Caleb says, “It’s not about getting what you want, it’s about giving.”

Lisa Henderson also adds on their blog that they’ll celebrate Christmas, put up decorations, and have family time together. The only thing missing will be the Christmas gifts.

[Image via ABC News]