Christmas

According to moneysupermarket.com nearly half of Britons (45%) were anxious in the run up to Christmas 2009 about their Christmas spending. The research suggested that by the time Christmas came around two thirds of us would not have saved up enough, with overdrafts and plastic taking up the slack. Around 10% of adults, that's 4.5million people will still be paying off Christmas by the time next Christmas comes around.

At an estimated additional spend of £856 per person Christmas doesn't come cheap. For some families it is the straw that breaks the camels back. More couples file for divorce in January than any other month. This year will be no exception as tensions simmer over Christmas and the ongoing economic strain.

Bah! Humbug! is not an option for most of us - and nor should it be. For tens of millions it is part of the rhythm of life, a time for family and for celebration. Christians celebrate the gift of Jesus, echoing the joy of the angels. In the giving and receiving of gifts we are sharing just a little in the generosity which is at the very heart of God. So how do we unlock the celebration of all that is good? There are at least two important keys

The first key is to celebrate an affordable Christmas because there is no joy in a post Christmas debt crisis. Preparing a realistic budget is essential and sticking to it by using cash or making very wise use of credit.

The second key is to cultivate the attitude of gratitude which is so foundational of a gracious spirit and a generous life. Gratitude allows us to savour what we have, to receive what we are given with a joyful heart and hold it with an open hand.

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