THERE is too much pressure on people to spend for Christmas, many believe, at a time when they should be thinking about the meaning of giving, rather than struggling to spend over the odds to keep up with pressure from the media, advertising and children.

This year, the Church of England Diocese of Blackburn, is supporting a regional campaign to encourage more to think about the festival's meaning, rather than spending for the sake of spending.

Martyn Halsall, spokesman for the Diocese, said: "The diocese is keen this year to support the Campaign for Real Christmas.

"It is about encouraging families to get to their local church for a carol service this Christmas.

"We feel sure, as the Church of England in Lancashire, that this campaign will help people focus on the real meaning of Christmas, although not for a moment forgetting the celebrations, but putting them into context.

"This is something they should think about, rather than just increasing the profits of shops."

The Rev Anthony Bedell, vicar of St Luke and St Philip of Bank Top in Blackburn, said: "Let's be real: Christmas is a terrible time for those in debt, or nearly so.

"If only we could get off the Christmas treadmill. Send fewer cards, but mean them more. Give simpler presents. And Christians should set an example; Christmas is a Christian festival.

"Of course we are afraid what people will say. But let's take a risk and aim at actually enjoying Christmas."

The Samaritans also said there were many people who could not cope under the pressure of spending at Christmas.

Sandra Blayden, director of the Blackburn Samaritans, said: "We have become a commercialised nation and we forget the real meaning of Christmas -- being with family and friends, and enjoying it.

"That's what it should be -- not how much the gifts cost. The real crux is saying 'no', but you do not want to offend or upset."

Even traders in Blackburn admit parents struggle under the pressure of having to find the right present for their children.

Amanda Leeson, manager of the Early Learning Centre in Blackburn, said: "I have noticed in the last few years that parents are definitely under more and more pressure from school and older children, where they don't just want a doll, they want 'that' doll, and they don't just want a doll's pushchair, they want a purple one.

"It is very much a pressure market I think." She added that Bob the Builder was a popular toy this year and parents would be under considerable pressure in the coming weeks as stocks ran out.

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