In order to teach their children about the true meaning of Christmas, a Utah couple has "canceled" the holiday, the Fox affiliate in Salt Lake City reported. John and Lisa Henderson said they were struggling with entitlement in their boys, ages 11, 8 and 5, and are following through on a warning they gave them months earlier.

"We have not canceled putting up decorations, celebrating the birth of our Savior, or any of our other heartwarming traditions," Lisa Henderson wrote in her blog. "But we have canceled presents, Santa and stockings. (The children's) letters to Santa this year will be asking Santa to find someone who needs their presents more."

The 36-year-old woman noted the couple's children had been acting "ungrateful" and their behavior had at times been "extremely disrespectful," according to WPXI.

"We patiently worked with them for several months, and guess what -- very little changed," she said. "One day, after a particularly bad display of entitlement, John said, 'We should just cancel Christmas.' And so that's what we did."

The Hendersons said the money originally meant presents will go to charities and service projects.

"We are trying to teach them the pleasure of giving rather than continuing to feed their childhood desire for more," they said.

The southern Utah couple's decision made headlines nationwide, but it would not be accurate to say Christmas has been canceled entirely in the Henderson household, according to CNN.

"What's been canceled is an overwhelmingly commercial Christmas," the news channel said.

On Christmas morning, the family's focus will be on spending time together and munching on Lisa Henderson's cinnamon rolls.

"While this may not be the best choice for everyone, it feels right for our family right now," the Utah mom said. "Our kids get to focus on that feeling. I am almost certain this will be the best Christmas they ever have!"

And luckily, the three preteens will not have to go entirely without presents: They are still allowed to get gifts from their grandparents and others.

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