Introduction to the Debate
A popular tradition is causing divisions between parents online. When the first day of December begins, children around the world will be in for a surprise. Some have a box waiting for them, while others will have nothing. It depends on which side of the December 1st boxing debate their parents are on.
The Tradition Explained
The debate is taking place across various social media platforms as the deadline approaches and Elf on the Shelf begins wreaking havoc in households. The chaotic fictional creature brings some of these boxes with him; others are delivered by parents looking to usher in the holiday spirit. In the boxes, children may find their Advent calendar, festive pajamas, small toys, or books.
Pressure to Participate
However, some parents are demanding that the pressure associated with the task be removed. Melbourne mother Nicole knows gift-giving is a love language for many, but she just doesn’t speak it. "December is already a mental and financial burden for many people. If you’re on social media, you’ll see a lot of Christmas deliveries and the December 1 box at this time of year," she said.
A Call to End the Pressure
She made a video with the caption "Kim, there are people who die" to drown out the pressure parents may be feeling. "I think when you’re on social media as a parent, you can’t ignore it. Everyone should have the opportunity to celebrate Christmas and create traditions in the way they want. However, that choice is a privilege that not everyone has. I just wanted to reassure anyone who feels that pressure that it’s okay not to do a December 1st box. Your kids won’t miss out on anything."
Differing Views
On social media, the comment sections aren’t as positive, with some parents defending the December 1st box. An Adelaide mother was criticized after asking that we stop normalizing the tradition. "Can we normalize letting families do whatever they want when you don’t want to? Don’t do it," one user wrote. Others argued that families should be able to decide for themselves whether they want to take part in the tradition.
Consumerism Concerns
Some parents argued that the boxes weren’t necessary, while others said they were an example of pure consumerism. "I’ve never done them and don’t plan on doing them. I feel like I’m one of the only ones who doesn’t," one parent said. Another agreed, saying, "These boxes are 100 percent pure consumerism."
Individual Preference
Auckland mother Shannon urges parents who condemn the idea to remember it’s an individual preference. She has long been a supporter of the box, saying those who spank her are "giving Grinch." She argues that if you’re not a fan, just don’t participate. But there’s no reason to hate parents who want to have festive fun.
The Right to Choose
She sees the same argument every year, and this year she wants to defend the right to choose. And not to be questioned for that choice, regardless of whether you choose boxing or not. She says the boxes have been around for years, but thanks to social media, the weight of comparison causes parents to question something designed for purity.
Teaching Children About Differences
Even though her children are still young, she wants to talk to them about why some children don’t get a box. "When it comes up one day, I hope we’ve already developed an understanding that families celebrate differently and that it’s just a box that mom puts up on December 1st to represent what we’re going to do in our house before Christmas," she said.
