No Need for a Grinchy Christmas

Monday, October 13. 2008

According to new research, this Christmas people are going to spend £2.7 billion less than usual on Christmas.

While not exactly at the Bob Cratchit extra-shovel-of-coal-for-Christmas stage, it is definitely a bit concerning.

This kind of research is usually an excuse to flog something or other, but the thought of having to cut back on food, drink and merry-making is a bit depressing, particularly for me because I was a Christmas baby and I get a bit tetchy if I think my birthday is being overlooked. But overshadowed by a damp squib of Christmas? Rubbish.

Indeed, the poll says nine per cent of people will cancel having friends and family over to save money.

It would be so much better just to cut back a little bit on the things which can be scrimped to carry on having festive fun.

For example, I’m from a family of six and so by the time significant others are included there are ten of us. It can get ridiculously expensive and so a few years ago when my siblings and I were students, we hit on the idea of having a “Secret Santa” style present giving.

It isn’t secret but we just spend £30 on one present, which saves a fortune and frankly it means you get a better present.

In terms of food and entertaining, there must be ways of cutting costs on Christmas dinner. Most people overdo it at Christmas anyway and eat when they’re absolutely stuffed.

A couple of years ago I even painted my own Christmas cards. The point of Christmas is to spend time with people you love, not bankrupt yourself.

In the words of Scrooge’s nephew Fred (that revered economist): “I believe that it has done me good, and will do me good; and I say, God bless it!”

Now pass me a mince pie and switch on Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Posted by Alice Murphy in Champagne lifestyle, lemonade budget at 14:40 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)

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