by Stacie84

Created on: September 30, 2010

The Christmas holiday is fast becoming much more of a commercial occasion than a christian celebration. We are all striving to out-do the rest each year, battling to find the biggest, best, and most expensive Christmas gift ever. I find myself asking, how did we get into this rut and will we ever escape?.

Whether your an expectant child, spoiled spouse or pampered parent December 25 is always a big deal. We are all guilty of succumbing to the millions of adverts, sales and price cuts that draw us into the shopping centre in the festive period.

Begrudgingly we brave the horrendous queues and packed department stores to track down the ideal gift and we are quick to dig deep and purchase that best selling toy, gift or gadget. Whether we can afford it or not.

Yes, when good old St Nick comes calling, extravagance is the name of the game and it seems that nothing less will do.

Sadly, there are very few of us, especially in the UK, that truly appreciate what December 25 should really be about. Those who attend Midnight Mass, say their prayers and come together as a family to celebrate the birth of Jesus are in the minority and I believe that with our society the way it is at the moment there is very little room for change.

Each year, for the past decade I have found myself been sucked in like the millions of others to the commerciality of it all and although the initial buzz around Christmas morning is rewarding it quickly turns sour. When January arrives and the extent of our over spending is revealed it is far from a happy new year. So what is the solution?

This year, my approach to the festive season will be more like an military expedition than a fun filled spending spree. and for this to work out then forward planning and restraint is essential.

I have put together a spreadsheet with a strict budget for each person and every purchase shall be recorded and added to my budget. It seems very regimented but my precious extravagance has shown that this may be the only way forward.

The mistake that I have made so many times in the past is thinking that budgets and limited spending produce incredibly dull gifts that will be listed on Ebay before we have even digested out Christmas lunch but no.

I have a unique plan to ensure that every one of my family and friends will recieve a special personalised gift which won't break the bank.

I have purchased a range of hamper baskets that will be filled to the brim with the favourite treats of all my family and friends, ensuring happy faces all round. Each basket will be lined with festive material and packed full of gifts from chocolates and miniature spirits to tea, coffee and even toiletries.

Unlike the standard gift set that is usually left to gather dust in the bathroom cabinet, my gift with be packed with everyday essentials and treats that not only will bring a smile this Christmas morning, it will also save them cash in the New Year as they will have a stock of their fave items and no need to buy more.

Christmas should be about spending time with your loved ones not financially crippling yourself. I am hoping that my gifts will lead the way to a much happier stress-free Christmas.

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