Has the credit crunch had an effect on your shopping this Christmas?

By Scott Marley on Dec 3, 09 04:19 PM in

Christmas is always an expensive time of the year but in the midst of a global recession, we are all feeling the pinch a bit more.

Countless parties, demands for the latest games console or hot new toy and pressure to make the day perfect mean its impossible to get through the holiday season with your bank balance unscathed.

Earlier this week, charity Save the Children warned that hundreds of thousands of Scottish families will fall into debt to make ends meet this year.

So the Glaswegian took to the streets to find out if people in Glasgow have cut back on their spending in the run-up to the big day.

Neil Allan, 24, says he will spend the same as always buying for his close family only.

The television researcher, from the west end, said: "I haven't spent any money on Christmas so far but when I do start my shopping, I think I will spend about the same as I always do.

"I''m not really concerned about money because my work has not been affected, so I am earning the same as always. I don't buy for that many people, but I do think the expense is probably not worth it.

Ann Murray, 65, was visiting the city from Greenock.

The retired grandmother-of-five said: When it comes to spending, I have no choice. I have five grandchildren and I love to buy for them. They are the most important thing around Christmas and when they are happy, I am."

Garry McKenna, 29, disagrees though, calling Christmas a capitalist celebration.

The band-booker from Dennistoun said: "Christmas is no longer a religious festival, it's just capitalism and everyone goes a bit mad with their spending. I don''t think that in the current global crisis we should even be celebrating it at all."

But father-of-two Derek O''Brien, from the east end, won''t be scrimping.

The 50-year-old engineer said: "It's the same every year, there is no escaping the expense of it. My boys want laptops and Xboxes, just the usual type of thing, and Christmas day is all about them, isn't it?"

Julie Dickson, 33, started buying gifts for friends and family in June, and has since finished her shopping.

The admininstrator from the south side said: "I work part-time, and so I have to get presents for people when I have money and keep my eyes out for bargains.

"I have had to budget a bit more but have probably spent a little bit less.

And Olivia Trimble from Bellshill has done the same.

She said: "I started early to make sure I was able to balance my money properly and not have to panic like I usually do when I run out of money two days before."