When it comes to Christmas gifts for your kids, incurring debt may seem like a good idea at the time, but it can have serious consequences in the long run.

Not only does it put extra strain on your finances and make it harder to meet other financial obligations, but if you're unable to pay off the debt you've accumulated then you'll likely be hit with high-interest rates that add onto the total cost of the presents. This can make getting out of debt much more difficult and expensive, not to mention damaging your credit score which could have repercussions when applying for loans or credit cards in the future.

Moreover, going into debt for Christmas gifts doesn't just come with financial implications - it can also take away from the joy and celebration of the holiday season.

The stress and worry that comes with owing money can put a damper on what's meant to be a festive occasion, making it less enjoyable for everyone involved. That's why it's so important to consider all aspects before making any decisions about incurring additional debt - especially around Christmas when prices tend to be higher than usual!

However, a lot of families (including ours) will be pulling out the credit cards for the coming weeks and making sure that we're providing what we think is an "ideal" Christmas for our children.

Isn't that the whole point?

We caught up with one of our readers, who explained to us that she has been going into significant debt this holiday season to provide a great Christmas for her kids.

"As a single mom that works both a full-time job and starting a part-time photography job I’m pretty drained emotionally and mentally. I’m not the fun parent," she says.

She explains that she is always hearing from her youngest about all the "fun stuff" that her dad gets her or just the other things that they have at his house that they're able to do.

"I’m already struggling financially to pay the bills, but Christmas comes around and it feels like I have to show my kids with things how much they’re loved."

She feels the pressure of trying to provide her children with the "magic of Christmas the way I experienced it as a kid." And while she does try to provide things that they're able to use (not just play with) such as bath sets or books, the popular toys and other expensive items seem to always make their way around.

"They start asking for popular toys they see on tv or the target catalog and I feel guilty and end up buying it."

And believe me, I think I speak for everyone when I say that we've all been here. This isn't a matter of irresponsibility or the need to feel like they're the better parent. They just want to see their kids have an enjoyable holiday, and be seen as a positive provider in the eyes of their children. But it can come with burdens.

"Overall I don’t regret it because it’s worth it come Christmas morning, but I do have moments of panic when I need to buy gas or something necessary and I wonder if my credit or debit card will be declined."

She continues, "As a one-income family it’s already been difficult but I don’t want my kids to know that we’re struggling financially because it’s not a burden they should feel. I try to make it look to them like we’re okay."

Are the commercial pressures around the holiday season too prevalent in society? How do we measure a parent's ability to provide an adequate Christmas for their children? There are many conversations to be had, and this is just a microcosm of the bigger picture.

The holidays are supposed to be magical, but at what cost? Let us know your thoughts!

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