Let there be lights!

Skint Scots refuse to skimp on decorations

Scots are still determined to light up Christmas despite half of adults cutting back on household spending.

Research for Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) found 48% of respondents, equivalent to around 2.2 million people, have cut back on spending because as the cost of living rises.

However, stores say customers are spending as much on seasonal lights and decorations as ever. Supermarket chain Asda said feedback on Christmas spending from customers shows many parents are splashing out on fairy lights, trees, tinsel and baubles to make their homes special for their children.

Asda said: “Parents indicated they are keen to spend on their kids and cut back on themselves. They want all the favourite decorations that children love to make Christmas really special.”

Meanwhile, John Lewis said momentum is “well and truly building” in-store and online, adding sales of Christmas crackers are up 154% on this time last year, demand for pre-lit trees has jumped by 39% and sales of wreaths and garlands has risen by 48%.

Garden centre giant Dobbies said its festive decorations have been available since October and sales have been steady.

The company’s senior Christmas buyer, Lynsey Abbott said: “Our value lines have been incredibly popular, including multipack baubles from £9.99 and individual decorations from £1.99.

“This weekend is also when most people select and take home their real Christmas tree. We are anticipating a busy time.”

Claire Stevenson, manager of the Olde Christmas Shoppe in Helensburgh, Argyll and Bute, said: “There has been a big interest in light-up things and things like tinsel garlands as people add a bit of sparkle to their Christmas decor.”

Some councils across Scotland this year cut back on public ceremonies to switch on Christmas lights because of rising power costs but many local authorities are still lighting up their cities and towns.

Glasgow is spending big to ensure city residents have a merry Christmas and will splash out almost £300,000 on trees and lights, while Edinburgh is spending around £140,000, similar to last year.

Meanwhile, Citizen Advice Scotland launched its Big Energy Saving Winter campaign, which encourages people worried about bills to seek advice.