Has the credit crunch put the bite on your Christmas budget

By Talking Heads on Nov 20, 08 11:53 AM in

CHRISTMAS credit crunch? Bah, humbug say Glaswegians determined to bin the recession as a load of old turkey.

The credit crunch is expected to hit Christmas spending as families plan to rein-back on the purse strings this year.

Does this mean that the most celebrated day of the year will be a slacker not a cracker ?

The recession and soaring energy prices may mean that families are dreading a winter of sky-high bills and money worries.

To ensure there's enough left in the pot, this Christmas families are keen to cut back a bit on the amount they spend on presents, food and going out.

But not enough to cancel Christmas.

So will Christmas still have the excitement that it always has ?

Or will the credit crunch destroy our seasonal festive fun?

Surely, life is too short and Christmas is the one day of the year to revel in the party spirit, allowing almost everyone to enjoy a well-earned day off.

Glaswegians gave us their thoughts on how they plan to turn the credit crunch into a cracker of some sort.

We took to the streets to ask: Are you still looking forward to Christmas despite the credit crunch?

Steve Graham, 38, a research assistant from Hyndland, said: "It's put a bit of a dampener on things.

"All my bills - gas, heating etc - and mortgage payments have gone up, so Christmas is a bit of a worry right now."

Bex Downie, 31, from Broomhill and a hospitality manager, explained: "People are a lot more educated about the recession and more wise when it comes to managing money.

"So I don't think it will make a lot of difference. I think it is important to enjoy what you've got and have a good day."

Marion Jeffrey, 56 from Kelvindale, said: "I've tried not to spend too much and put the money worries to the back of my mind. But we will still have a good time."

Raymond Callender, 39 is a shop manager from Partick who said: "I've bought most of my presents online this year, because its cheaper and it probably will make a bit of a difference.

"I'm not getting into debt over it though."

Rebecca MacDonald, 19, from Partick and a media studies student, said: "We've all put a limit on how much we are spending on friends and family and trying to cut back.

"Still we're all determined to enjoy ourselves on the day itself."

Craig McAulay, 20, a civil engineering student from Clydebank, said: "I have no money at all anyway.

"It won't stop me having a big Christmas going out and celebrating with my pals."