Christmas will cost me £7K because of how many kids I have – trolls say we’re disgusting for overpopulating the world

The festive season, a time often associated with joy and celebration, can also bring significant financial pressures, especially for larger families. For Desiree and Christopher, a couple raising 18 children, the cost of Christmas alone is projected to reach an eye-watering £7,000. This substantial expenditure, coupled with the sheer size of their family, has thrust them into the public spotlight, drawing both curiosity and criticism, particularly from online trolls who accuse them of “overpopulating the world.”

The Financial Realities of a Grand Family Christmas

For many families, Christmas budgeting is a careful balancing act, but for Desiree and Christopher, with their extensive brood, the scale of spending is on a different level. They have openly discussed the considerable financial outlay required to make Christmas special for all their children. Christopher revealed that their Christmas expenditure typically totals around £7,000 each December, a figure Desiree acknowledges as making the holiday “fun – but it’s work.”

Beyond the festive season, the family’s daily living expenses also paint a picture of considerable financial management. Desiree indicated that their weekly grocery shopping alone can range between $250 and $500, often requiring multiple trips a week to meet the demands of their household. These figures underscore the constant financial planning and resourcefulness required to sustain a family of their size.

Parenting in the Public Eye: Addressing the “Overpopulation” Debate

Desiree and Christopher’s journey to a family of 18 is a testament to their unique circumstances, with Christopher having eight children from a previous relationship, Desiree three, and the couple welcoming seven more together after a swift marriage. While they express immense love and dedication to their large family, their choices have not been without public scrutiny. Online platforms, particularly YouTube where their story was shared, have become a forum for both support and harsh criticism.

A recurring point of contention from online commenters revolves around the idea of “overpopulating the world.” Desiree directly addressed this criticism, countering that their focus is on “raising people who are going to put into society and into the world,” rather than contributing to perceived societal burdens. Christopher further elaborated on a common misconception: “When they see a big family, they think, ‘oh my God, that must be chaotic, that must be so much work.’” He clarified that while it is indeed work, like any family, it’s about efficient management and dedication.

Navigating Festive Spending with a Large Family

The task of affording Christmas for a large family like Desiree and Christopher’s highlights the importance of strategic financial planning. For those managing substantial holiday budgets, several approaches can help mitigate costs:

• Limiting Presents: Instead of individual gifts for every family member or friend, some families opt for Secret Santa exchanges within their inner circles to reduce the number of presents required.
• Early Planning and Sales: Utilizing post-Christmas sales, particularly in January, can allow families to purchase gifts for the following year at discounted rates. Price comparison sites can also be instrumental in securing the best deals.
• Leveraging Sales Events: Many retailers initiate Christmas sales even before December 25th, offering opportunities to find bargains. While delivery costs might be a factor, significant savings can often outweigh these.
• Exploring Outlet Stores: Online and physical outlet stores often sell returned or slightly damaged products at reduced prices. These items typically have minor wear and tear, presenting a cost-effective alternative for various purchases.

Diverse Public Opinion and the Joys of Raising a Big Family

The viral YouTube clip featuring Desiree and Christopher’s story garnered over 22,000 views, sparking a wide spectrum of comments. Reactions ranged from outright condemnation, with one commenter stating, “Having this many kids is incredibly disgusting and selfish,” to warm support, such as, “This is nice and fun. You did well to have many kids, they are a blessing.” Other comments reflected a mix of incredulity and practical concerns, including remarks like, “When a family is a whole classroom,” and questions about their financial stability: “I would like to know what they do for work to be able to pay for the house, vehicles, food, clothes.”

Despite the negativity, the couple remains steadfast in their commitment to their family. They both affirmed that while they don’t plan on having more children, they cherish their large family unit. Desiree articulated her deepest satisfaction: “What I love most about raising a huge family is really the end goal – we’re raising people.” This sentiment encapsulates their perspective on their parenting journey, focusing on the long-term impact and contribution of their children to society.

Conclusion

Desiree and Christopher’s story offers a glimpse into the unique challenges and triumphs of raising a large family, particularly during expensive times like Christmas. Their experience highlights not only the significant financial investment required but also the public scrutiny that can accompany unconventional family choices. While facing criticism regarding “overpopulation,” the couple maintains a clear vision of their role in raising responsible individuals. Their journey underscores the diverse motivations behind family planning and the ongoing societal dialogue surrounding personal choices and their perceived impact on the world.