Mum sparks parenting debate after she ‘cancels Christmas’ for her kids

A mum sparked a parenting debate after she declared that "Christmas is cancelled" due to her kids' poor behaviour.

Pictures of the anonymous Australian mum's Christmas tree, wrapped up in cling film, have been doing the rounds on social media. An Elf on the Shelf, who seemingly goes by the name Elsie, is sat perched on top alongside a note. The letter reads:

"Christmas is cancelled for now. “If you want me to keep visiting, a Santa visit, your tree back and your presents back, your behaviour needs to improve. “Santa is very angry and I’m disappointed. Be good and say sorry to mum. “You all have one week to improve. I’m watching.”

The woman's post sparked a huge debate online after it was shared by local news page, ABC Brisbane and although the story isn't a new one, it's been cropping up again online in recent days as we approach the festive season. Some social media users were less than impressed, accusing the mum of "taking the joy out of Christmas" with the note. One woman said:

"That is very cruel. I feel sorry for some children."

Another person agreed, adding:

"This makes the joy of unconditional receiving and giving of gifts conditional. “These are children.”

Someone else simply wrote:

"You do what you have to do, what the kiddies will respond to."

But other's disagreed, with many people saying it was a good idea to make sure that children behave throughout the month and that the mum must've been at "wits end to do something like that". One person commented:

"As a mother of 5, foster Mum of 2, Grannyy of 13 and a great grandmother I say well done. Its great to see a parent in control."

Someone else added:

"It's their choice and I bet you'd have to be at your wits end to do something like that. Personally I would own it not give credit to the elf and Santa."

Another social media user said:

“These lucky modern kids got given an opportunity to redeem themselves before the cut-off date. I think us parents are getting soft just like our kids.”