Cost of Christmas getting harder for families to bear, charity warns

The 'Cost of a Family Christmas' poll, commissioned by children's charity Barnardo's, found four in ten parents in Yorkshire say that Christmas will be less affordable this year, while 44 per cent said it will be the same.

This compares to only 16 per cent who say they will find it more affordable.

The answer excludes those who say they ‘don’t know’ or ‘don’t celebrate’ Christmas.

More than half, a total of 58 per cent, of parents who say the festive season will be less affordable this year will cut back on their own winter clothes to give their children a better time.

Of the same group of people, 49 per cent will sacrifice food for themselves.

Despite financial pressures, more than three quarters of parents in Yorkshire will spend at least the same on Christmas presents for their children this year.

The survey also found 70 per cent of Yorkshire parents will spend at least the same on going to see a pantomime or other Christmas-related outings for their children.

The survey quizzed 2,070 parents across the United Kingdom who have children aged 18 and under.

Meanwhile, nationally the survey revealed low and middle income households will be struggling most to pay for Christmas this year.

A total of 57 per cent of parents from households with an income or under £25,000 say the festive season will be less affordable this year.

Parents in Yorkshire, about 74 per cent, blame the soaring cost of household expenses and benefits cuts biting into their family finances.

For many, wage cuts and reduced benefits payments have added to the Christmas financial gloom.

Steve Oversby, director for Barnardo’s in Yorkshire, said: “All year, we’ve heard the country’s economic ‘recovery’ heralded from on high.

"But the stark reality is that the view from Yorkshire looks very different for many families.

"Many parents tell us that their Christmas finances are in worse state than they were a year ago.

“Our survey reflects what our services see day in and day out, all year around.

“The festive season should be a time for special family celebrations.

"It is tragic that it has become a matter of dread and personal deprivation for many parents.

"But it is truly heart-warming to see the lengths to which these parents will go to keep it special for their children.”

A spokesman from debt charity Christians Against Poverty, which has its headquarters in Bradford, said: "Christmas should be a great time to relax and enjoy the company of family and friends.

"Unfortunately, with the pressure to buy expensive gifts and create the ‘perfect’ Christmas there is also the danger of falling into debt through overspending.

"We’d encourage parents with children that are old enough to understand, to be honest with them about finances.

"It’s better to manage their expectations and take the pressure off having to buy things the family can’t afford.

"We want everyone to enjoy a fantastic Christmas this year, without the worry and fear that debt can cause."

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

1. “Christmas is less affordable. Some people don’t want to do Christmas as much because they can’t afford it. People are feeling the pinch more this year. People haven’t got as much money. It’s tough. People can’t afford it.” - Nazreen Rashid, 32, of Ings Way, Fairweather Green.

2. "It depends on people’s circumstances on whether they can afford Christmas or not. If you have a young family it’s going to be more expensive." - Linda Rayner, 58, of Yeoman Court, Bradford.

3. “There are a lot of families struggling to pay for Christmas.” It’s going to get worse if the price of everything continues to go up. Some people are buying things that they don’t need." - Peter Rayner, 56, of Yeoman Court, Bradford.

4. "Presents are getting dearer. People are going over the top I think, some are spending thousands on it. I’m sorted for presents already. I planned in advance." - Tom Matthews, 30, of Temple Rhydding, Baildon.

5. “Christmas is very dear. It’s only for two days. It’s a big fuss.” It does put pressure on people. You have to plan ahead.” - Phillip Davies, 54, of Leeds Road, Eccleshill.

6. “Everything has gone up. It is less affordable. It just puts pressure on people.” People are struggling. Wages have not gone up in line with inflation. The cost of living not gone up.” - Julie Davies, 55, of Leeds Road, Eccleshill.

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