"Parents want so much to give their children joy"
New research reveals one in five Birmingham families have considered cancelling Christmas altogether, as they feel the festive pinch.
A survey commissioned by Family Action found that 19% of parents in Birmingham had considered scrapping Christmas because of financial difficulties, while one in 10 families said they would be unable to afford presents for their children this year.
The findings highlight how the rising cost of celebrating Christmas is affecting families, with many parents feeling under pressure to provide their children with the festive experience they want.
Seven in 10 parents surveyed agreed they had “failed” their children if they could not afford to buy them their desired Christmas gifts.
More than a third (37%) of those feeling the financial strain said they were worried about the expense of Christmas, while almost three in five (59%) agreed the most special time of year can “feel less magical” because of its financial burden.
In response, Family Action is urging the public to support its annual Toy Appeal, which aims to help families experiencing financial hardship provide their children with gifts this Christmas.
In 2025, hundreds of families in Birmingham received presents through the appeal, thanks to public donations. The charity hopes to reach even more struggling households this year.
One parent who benefited from the appeal explained how the donated gifts helped ease the financial pressure on their family, saying:
“It really helps us out as things are very, very tight.
“We can wrap the gift for him and say it’s from us.”
Another parent described the difference the appeal made to their child, saying:
“We sat there and read his book while he hugged his teddy from the Toy Appeal. I was so grateful.
“I wouldn’t have bought them as they weren’t necessities and, at that time, having just been made redundant, I was only thinking about necessities.”
Sir David Holmes CBE, chief executive of Family Action, said:
“Our new research shows the painful reality facing many families this Christmas.”
“Parents want so much to give their children joy, but many are being forced to make choices no family should have to make.
“A donated gift can mean far more than a toy – it can mean relief, dignity and a moment of Christmas magic.”
