I can’t afford to make my kids’ Christmas magical or buy them presents – I had to walk out of B&M in tears
A MUM has left people heartbroken after revealing she burst into tears in B&M when she had to put the toys her kids wanted back because she couldn't afford them.
Danielle explained that while she is well aware it's "not the end of the world", her decision in the shop was the "straw that broke the camel's back".
And now she's hoping that sharing a TikTok video explaining her situation will raise awareness of how the cost of living crisis is affecting people - especially around this time of year.
"I'm a mum of two small ones, a 4 year old and a 1 year old," she said.
"We survive on one wage. I don't go to work because I can't afford to send both my children to preschool while I go to work.
"I have looked for jobs in the evening and to try and work it on my partner's job, but I can't find anything.
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"I have worked full time since I was 18. I'm 32 now.I went back to work after I had my first boy, but I physically cannot afford to go back to work because of cost of childcare.
"And before anybody says in the comments,we don't get benefits, we just survive on whatever my partner brings back from work.
"We have a mortgage to pay.
"We have repairs in the house we can't afford to do".
Danielle was then unable to stop the tears from flowing as she continued: "The fact that I was lining up and being asked by my kids for some toys, and I had to then put a load back because I knew I couldn't afford them.
"Now I know that isn't the end of the world and, you know, we have struggles of the food shop and all that.
"But that kind of was the straw that broke the camel's back when I kind of came to that realisation...
"I'm a mum who tries to make Christmas, every moment, as magical for my kids as possible.
"And it just breaks my heart.
"I just never thought I would be in this situation.And I know I'm not in this alone.
"A lot of people are feeling like this."
Danielle added that she "doesn't want sympathy", and is most probably "a lot better off than lot of people".
"I just want people to be aware that this is happening," she added.
"This time of year is hard. for a lot of people.
"I'd love to do all these little things like, you know, throughout December for the kids, but we can still make it magical without spending money."
She concluded by stating: "This is happening. This is real.
"A lot of people are struggling.
"The cost of everything has just become absolutely ridiculous now.
"And I just don't know how people are expected to live like this."
She added in the video caption: "I was unsure whether to share this post.
"I’ve decided to post it so others know that they aren’t alone and we are all just trying our best!
"The cost of living in the UK at the minute is out of hand."
People were quick to comment on the post, with many offering Danielle love and support.
"Sitting in the car with tears in my eyes for you," one wrote.
"The fact you are upset shows how much you care for your babies.
"You're not alone."
"I had every toy, gadget, cool clothes etc growing up,"another added.
"But I didn’t have a loving stable home, my love was bought.
"I promise you it’s not about the stuff - it’s about the Xmas magic you’re trying to make.
"It’s about the eaten carrot, flour footprints, Xmas walk, whatever magic you do."
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"Wish there was more of this on social media instead of perfect Christmas videos adding more pressure," a third commented.
"Don't be fooled by it all. Everyone is struggling."