I’m not getting anybody a Christmas present…I’m skint and I don’t care – it’s coal for everyone in my household
FROM perfume to clothes and jewellery, many people will be excited to open presents under the tree this December 25.
But one woman named Ells has joked how her family and loved ones can expect nothing but coal at Christmas…because she’s not doing presents this year.
In the clip posted to TikTok (@ellsatthedisco), she begins: “No one’s getting a Christmas present from me this year and here’s why – I’m skint mate, quite frankly.
“I’m not embarrassed to admit it either.”
Ells goes on to say that she lives in London and doesn’t earn in line with the cost-of-living, so forking out on pricey gifts just isn’t realistic.
“There’s a lot of people in the same position and a lot of people who are worse off, which is heartbreaking,” she says.
“I keep seeing these extravagant gift guides – cashmere jumpers and pyjamas and gold pens that you just don’t need anyway.
“But people are pressured into buying all of this stuff and end up in debt or really punish themselves that they can’t afford all of these nice things to give out to people.”
Ells adds that she’s worrying about buying all of this party food when in reality, a lot of people can’t actually afford their regular weekly food shop.
“I think the ironic thing about Christmas is that it’s supposed to be this really happy time and for a lot of people, it’s not – for a lot of reasons,” she explains.
“It could be because of money struggles or having a dysfunctional family where you don’t see your mum or your dad and you’re not spending it together.
“And people will ask you, ‘when are you going home for Christmas’ or ‘who are you seeing over Christmas? Hope you have a great time with the family.’
“That can really trigger some people.”
She continues: “I think it’s important to remember that not everyone will have the same Christmas as you.
“Just take this as your reminder that you can’t give what you don’t have, so there’s no need to punish yourself and there’s no need to give into these extravagant gift guides.
“Even my boyfriend will be getting a giant lump of coal on Christmas day – no, I’m joking…I will be the present, and that should be enough!”
Ells jokingly captioned the post: “Coal for you all!”
It wasn’t long before the post went viral and garnered hundreds of comments, with many quick to share their opinion and to praise Ells for speaking out.
“I find it so overwhelming honestly,” wrote one.
A second penned: “Christmas is all commercialised anyways you can always make some Christmas cookies or something as a cheap alternative!!!”
A third commented: “This is why I love handmade gifts too!!!!!”
Meanwhile, a fourth praised: “Well done on speaking up.”
Another added: “This! It’s so pressured. Thank you for this!”
A further chimed in: “Your friends and family don’t need loads if they love you. I’m the same.”
And one more added: “I agree soooo much.”