Let’s stop Xmas prezzie pressure
sary Christmas presents. Let me be clear – by that I don’t mean we should stop buying for our spouses, or presents for children to go under the tree.
I’m talking about cutting out the unnecessary presents for the everextending list of friends, cousins, neighbours and teachers we feel obliged to buy for, and starting the conversation with family and friends. If you’re not sure how – show them this article to start the discussion.
Then do a “pre-nupp” a PreChristmas No Unnecessary Present Pact, or if you can’t go cold turkey (sorry) straight away introduce a Secret Santa and cap it at a fiver or a tenner. Or even better, just say you’re going to give to charity instead.
Less pressure, less cost, less debt and more joy.
Don’t think you’ll be a pariah if you suggest this.
Last week on my Live ITV show, I was nervous before raising this issue. I wasn’t sure how viewers would react. But I was blown away as the 300-strong audience interrupted me again and again (with no floor manager prompting) to applaud the points I made.
Sue Jones, the Dean of Liverpool Cathedral, then backed up the idea with the Christian view that it is love and thought – not spending – that matters.
Then, when I posted a three-minute clip of my speech on social media, it went viral. So far on my Facebook page alone it has been watched a staggering 7.6 million times, with 156,000 shares.
Above you can see just a few of the literally thousands of comments…
So if you agree, be brave and raise this now. It could mean a happier Christmas (and less indebted new year) for you and your friends.
“Martin. Your speech moved me to tears. As a pensioner on the State Pension, Christmas is hard to buy presents for my sons, their wives, my grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Giving me permission to NOT have to do that has made me feel a whole lot better. Memories are more important than the latest gadget.”
“@MartinSLewis just watched your show .... texted everyone... including hubby... to say let’s not bother gifting... heart in my mouth... but everyone agreed! Feel like a weight is lifted! Thank you.”
“@MartinSLewis Couldn’t agree more... who can remember all the presents they received last year? That someone is probably still paying for!”