I am a single parent and my eldest is now nearly 21. I spoke to her quite candidly a little while back and said that I remembered the worst Christmas when I literally had like £250 to buy presents for her and her little brother. It was the one where the plumbing had gone and the cooker had broken which cost me like £700 to sort out a month before Christmas. I realise that might be a lot to some people but not to me, especially split between two! She said honestly mum I never knew that or noticed. I think my heart hurt a little but I was so happy that she’d not felt what I’d been going through trying desperately to make it good regardless. We’re ok now but there are definitely times that have been tough and it’s always been a struggle to keep us warm, the bills paid and food on the table. I’ve always worked and not claimed handouts of any kind. I hope I’ve done ok! I also hope that my kids grow to know the value of material things and of hard work and never to take anything for granted. There’s a lot you can do with love and a bit of creativity!