Christmas presents
Parents are cutting the cost of Christmas this year by making their own decorations and mince pies.
In light of this, average spending on children’s Christmas presents has only gone down by £3 from last year, despite the country facing economic downturn, a survey revealed.
The majority of children under the age of ten will receive between £50 and £100 worth of presents this Christmas, and 5% of parents will spend over £300 on their children.
Families are choosing to make Christmas puddings and mince pies at home, to ensure that children don’t miss out on presents, meaning that food spending is set to drop by 4% per household.
While 40% of parents plan to make their own Christmas cards, 26% are even making their own festive decorations this year.
Money spent on Christmas trees and decorations will drop from an average of just over £24 per household, to just under £16.
Cognitive Behavioural psychologist, Gladeana McMahon said: “The financial climate is prompting people to think about what’s important, and has provoked a general inclination to return to tradition.
“Children will benefit from the chance to get involved in this year’s Christmas crafting of crackers, decorations and home cooked traditional fare.
“The interesting stat is that when it comes to children, the reported trend for a home-made Christmas will not be at the expense of their presents. For parents there is reward in giving toys as presents, and a real joy in watching children play with themâ€.
But while families are reverting back to traditional methods of living, children are still experiencing a consumerist Christmas by receiving plentiful gifts.
This year, 22% of children under the age of ten will receive gifts worth between £100 and £150, and only 15% will receive gifts worth between £25 and £50.
By Kay Taylor