'Britons don't want Xmas excess'
Updated on 02 December 2008
Credit-crunch Britons are looking forward to a less commercial Christmas, according to a survey.
The poll found 63% of people believe Christmas will be more meaningful without the usual excess and 80% say it will be about spending time with loved ones rather than spending cash.
More than half (52%) believe it will force a rediscovery of the true meaning of Christmas, with many families (33%) introducing a "kids only" rule for Father Christmas, the study for insurer Norwich Union found.
Crackers, workplace secret santas, decorations, wrapping paper and stocking fillers top the list of shunned items this year. Almost half (46%) say they will socialise at home instead of in bars and restaurants, 23% plan to make their own mince pies and puddings, and 10% will email Christmas greetings or visit friends rather than send cards.
They hope the cutbacks will save an average £115 from their usual Christmas bill, the poll revealed.
Britons plan to spend an average of £179 on their children, £107.83 on partners and £28.64 on best friends. Those not buying gifts for their partner are up 9% from last year and up 14% for those not treating best friends. The average consumer still expects a bill of £404.24 by December 25.
Louise Colley, head of protection marketing for Norwich Union, said: "It's good to see that we're refusing to let the credit crunch entirely steal our Christmas and planning more traditional, less expensive celebrations this year.
"The Christmas and New Year period is a great time to take stock and get your finances in order. Anyone enjoying a frugal Christmas will have a head-start on those who are using credit to pay for their festivities.
"Without a plan to pay off festive debt as quickly as possible, many may find themselves still paying the price by the time Christmas comes again."
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