Christmas is cancelled!

John and Lisa Henderson of Hurricane, Utah, had finally had enough of their kids' bad behavior.

For months, the couple had been trying to teach their three boys, ages 11, 8 and 5, to stop being disrespectful and acting entitled.

Something us parents can identify with, right?

The couple say they worked patiently for months trying to teach them the right way to behave but with no luck - and after some particularly bad behaviour, Lisa and John decided to cancel Christmas.

How many times have we threatened to take away the iPad, television, toys and so on?

I must be honest that I have Father Christmas on speed dial and, as Cooper my 4-year-old knows, I am not afraid to use it. (Not going to win me mother of the year, I get that!) 

But back to the Hendersons: the boys will still get to put up and decorate the Christmas tree and will celebrate the meaning of Christmas. But there won't be any presents, no Santa, and no stockings. In Lisa's words: "Their letters to Santa this year will be asking Santa to find someone who needs their presents more."  

They will also be focussing on giving, as Lisa explains: 

"Instead we will be taking the money we would have spent on presents and put it towards service projects and giving gifts to others this season. We are trying to teach them the pleasure of giving rather than continuing to feed their childhood desire for more." 

Obviously there has been a backlash, with many calling Lisa and John Scrooges. But Lisa says the boys are not sad about the decision. "They are learning exactly what we wanted them to learn, because they are not moping around feeling sorry for themselves. They are thinking of others." 

I have to say I think this is the best present they can give their boys. 

They are at an age where they can understand and the lesson will be far more valuable then the latest play station game. 

The gift of repercussion, family and responsibility is far more precious. 

What do you think?

(Photo: via http://www.overthebigmoon.com/)