December 2010 - On the Couch
Does paying for Christmas put you in debt?
With Christmas just around the corner, three Candis
readers gather to discuss festive spending habits and money-saving
tactics
Reader profiles
Joan McFarlane,
64
Has been married to husband David, 68, for 26 years and is a Slimming World consultant. Joan does the Christmas shopping and likes to buy a lot of presents
Kirstine Davies,
41
Graphic designer Kirstine lives with her partner Gareth Bellis, 41. She says they have managed to cut down the cost of Christmas - by spending it abroad
Kerryann Lund,
48
Part-time lecturer and mum to Eleanor, 18, Kerryann lives with partner Kevin Parker. She spends little at Christmas and spreads the cost throughout the year
What do you do for Christmas?
Kirstine: "Gareth and I now spend Christmas abroad. In the past, I had everyone round, but my other half prefers to get away from the cold and the consumerism. Last year, we were on the Great Wall of China on Christmas Day, which was amazing."
Joan: "For us it's very much a family occasion, but because of the various family splits and divorces, we can't really have everyone round at the same time, so we do quite a bit of entertaining before Christmas."
Kerryann: "For me it's not very
traditional because my family aren't that close, so I have
often just spent the day with my daughter. We sometimes go round
and spend the day with my dad and stepmother, and we have also
spent it abroad a couple of times."
How many people do you buy Christmas presents for?
Kirstine: "I buy presents for all of my family, but they do tend to be something small. I have to ask everybody what they would like because I really hate the idea of buying a gift someone is not going to use, or one that they don't like. I probably buy for about ten people in total."
Joan: "I have about 15 to 20 people to buy for, and that includes family and friends, ranging from just a little gesture to big family gifts. I like to buy lots of presents and I really like to buy surprises for people."
Kerryann: "I buy gifts for several
friends, and I also have a few family members to buy for too, but
I'm not that well off so I don't buy for as many people as
some others would."
On average, how much do you spend on Christmas presents?
Have your say!
Do you get into debt for Christmas? (CLOSED)
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