Tight Christmas?

CHRISTMAS is fast approaching and the pressure is on to stock up on food, festive treats and gifts galore.

However, North-West families are gearing up in different ways, with some set to splash the seasonal cash while others tighten their belts.

So will it be a seasonal splurge or a cut price Christmas for Oldham shoppers?

Reporter BEATRIZ AYALA went to Oldham town centre to find out.

Setting a limit is the key to comfortable Christmas according to Wendy Hardman (37), from Mossley.

She said: “I won’t be going mad spending at Christmas.

“I’ve got three children but I’m always careful.

“We set a limit and say that is what we are going to spend.

“We’re looking more for bargains this year, stocking fillers which don’t cost much.”

Her mother Norma Nield (66), from Greenfield, said: “They’ve always had a decent present but there’s a limit.

“I’ve got five grandchildren and they get far too much.”

Samantha Moss (17), from Littlemoor, has thrown caution to the wind with her Christmas shopping.

She said: “I’ve blown the lot this year already.

“I’ve had more money to spend this year than last year so its all gone already on good quality presents from the high street.”

Her pal Rachel Hughes (18), from Sholver said: “I’m spending more money this year but that’s because I’ve got a lot more people to buy for.

“I’ve got about 20 family and friends and Christmas is definitely getting more and more expensive the older you get.”

Paul Devine (50) and his wife Pauline (47), from Royton, said experience has taught them how to budget properly.

Mr Devine said: “We’ve learned our lessons about spending too much in the past so we budget nowadays.

“We get a list of what our grown-up children would like and then pick one or two gifts to give them.

“My son is a householder now so understands what it is like to budget.”

Mrs Devine said: “A lot of people start early and you can keep a look out for high street vouchers over the year.

“Presents can be bought in the January sales or at half price during the year.”

Zoe Gash (35), from Oldham, prefers her money to go elsewhere rather than on Christmas and everything associated wit it.

She said: “We are spending exactly the same as last year.

“I believe in spending more money on things like the children’s birthdays, as the day is more special for them.

“It’s up to people how much they spend at Christmas, but I like my money to go on other things. The cards get thrown away and the wrapping gets torn.”

Frederick King (64) and his wife Christine (59), from Derker, believe you don’t have to spend lots to have a good Christmas celebration.

He said: “Our money goes on other things like the heating.

“I don’t think much about people spending lots more at Christmas, I don’t think people in Oldham have got that extra cash.

“We will carry on as normal this year and cutback on non essential things, but we will still have a good Christmas.”

Frank Kershaw (84) and wife Wendy (74), from Waterhead, said they spend the same each year but mostly on family.

“Instead of buying presents, we give them money.

“There is a lot of people that struggle with the cost of Christmas every year, not just this one.

“We never go overboard though and we’re a bit old to be going out on Christmas Eve.”

Mrs Kershaw said: “You can still have a nice Christmas with not a lot and smaller presents.

“There is more to it than just money, it’s the thought that counts.”

Mum-of-four Dawn Houghton (40), from Derker, knows the best way to get the most for your money.

She said: “I’ll definitely be tightening the belt this year.

“I’ve lived in the USA and Mexico where the cost of living is much cheaper but having come back in 2007, I’ve noticed how expensive things are in the UK.

“It is a struggle but I always plan ahead and start my Christmas shopping early.

“I’m a a real bargain hunter and I love shopping on ebay, but I also know the shops will sell toys a third cheaper in October before the Christmas rush, so I stock up then.”