2010-12

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A s Christmas draws closer, this can be a very exciting time of year. But for those feeling the pinch financially, the run-up to Christmas can be very stressful. Supermarket aisles have been bursting since October with Christmassy biscuits, cakes, booze and chocolate; other shelves are loaded with festive decorations and stacks of toys and gifts. We are constantly being reminded of the things we ‘need’ to make Christmas special. For those who have children, the stress can be exacerbated. The summer was barely over before my own six-year-old was telling me which hot wheels sets he definitely needs for Christmas, and he has been reminding me on a weekly basis since. The national debtline website has some helpful advice for avoiding getting into debt at Christmas. It suggests drawing up a budget to help you make sure you cover all your essentials – such as mortgage or rent and utilities bills. Then decide, in advance, how much you can afford to spend at Christmas. Work out how much in total you want to spend on presents. Then divide the present money by the number of people you want to get presents for to get an idea of how much to spend on each person. Try to spread buying presents so you don’t have to pay too much all at once. It’s also worth remembering that shops have a vested interest in trying to convince us that we ‘need’ to buy lots of things in order to have a good Christmas. But it is possible to celebrate Christmas cheaply – as long as you are prepared to re-think your Christmas rituals. Instead of shopping and going out, try to focus on spending time with family or friends and doing things together. Watch a film together at home. Go for walks. Go to church during Advent– that will get you into the Christmas spirit, but it needn’t cost you a penny. As for children’s presents – try to explain to them why you can’t afford anything expensive. They may not like it but you are the one in charge of your budget! Instead, spend time together making decorations or Christmassy cakes or biscuits that you can then give to people instead of buying presents. Try these ideas for easy DIY decorations: Stick a fern onto card to make a ‘Christmas tree’, then decorate it Cut star shapes out of card, cover with aluminium foil, punch a hole in one point and thread through some string or thread Find a large branch to hang decorations on instead of a Christmas tree Cut small circles out of old Christmas cards (or any card) and stick them onto a long piece of thread, wool or string with stickers or sticky labels, for garlands Cut some spare cloth into two identical shapes – e.g. a stocking, heart or star. Sew most of the sides together, leaving the top open so you have a small bag. Then you can fill it with a few biscuits for a nice present. For debt advice, the national debtline for England and Wales is St Chads Church, Linden Avenue, Woodseats email: office@stchads.org Church Offices: 15 Camping Lane, Sheffield S8 0GB Page 10 website: www.stchads.org Tel: (0114) 274 5086
J udy Wanjiru — who comes from Kenya — spent her first Christmas in the UK last year. Here she tells us about some of the differences between the two countries when it comes to celebrating the season “ My first Christmas in England was quite interesting. I went to my good friends in Chapeltown for Christmas dinner. They are an English family and very ‘Yorkshire’! I was suprised that people who don’t believe in God celebrate Christmas. In Kenya where I come from this is more about a Saviour being born as a gift to Christians. In England it’s about family and friends and getting together as a family and having a meal together. We had a turkey, sprouts, roast potatoes and amazing Christmas pudding. I do like the idea that people in this country buy Christmas presents and send Christmas cards to family, friends and even neighbours. The thought of thinking about others is great. In Kenya it is more about going to church, having special food, (chapati and meat and vegetables) also a time to see your extended family. They welcomed me to their house, they fed me, gave me presents and treated me as one of the brothers or sisters. I felt so welcomed. Judy Wanjiru THE BEAUCHIEF SCHOOL OF SPEECH TRAIIG Pupils trained in the art of perfect speech and prepared for examination and stage work BARBARA E. MILLS, L.G.S.M.,A..E.A. (Eloc) Gold Medal 31 Cockshutt Avenue, Sheffield 8 Phone: 274 7134 St Chads Church, Linden Avenue, Woodseats email: office@stchads.org Church Offices: 15 Camping Lane, Sheffield S8 0GB Page 11 website: www.stchads.org Tel: (0114) 274 5086
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2010-12

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