The stores and shopping malls have already started wheeling out the decorations and yuletide music, including the annual favourite Snoopy’s Christmas (by the Royal Guardsmen), which, love it or loath it, must be the most heard Christmas anthem of all time.
Times reporters JO TUAPAWA and NICOLA PEAT asked people at Botany Town Centre on Monday if they’re prepared for Christmas and will the economic crisis have an impact on their and their family’s festive season?
Irene Green, Highland Park
“I like Christmas, always have. I’m waiting to see the Christmas tree go up. I look out through the year and if there’s anything really good and cheaper then I’ll buy it. I always budget through the year and try to shop early because of the crowds. I really like the carols; it makes me feel Christmasy.”
Izaac Black, Whitford
“It’s only mid-November, it’s the worst kind of propaganda. The hype might get me in the mood later in the year, but not now. I don’t mind the Christmas music. It suits the time but moderation is still the key. I’ll probably watch my spending as the economic crisis is present.”
Brett Ashby, Botany
“I don’t think Christmas decorations going up around the place puts any more pressure on me to prepare for Christmas than what my family does. I haven’t started budgeting for Christmas expenditure yet, but I wouldn’t be surprised if next year was different.”
Monita Patel, Dannemora
“Seeing the decorations going up gets me thinking Christmas is coming. I’ve started thinking about a budget for this year, but our budget always goes out the window. We will try to squeeze more out of our money, but when you’re trying to please the kids, it all adds up.”
Nadine Singh, Dannemora
“I’m starting to feel the spirit, because it’s getting closer to Christmas. I’m not planning anything different spending-wise this year. My family normally do a secret Santa. The Christmas music gets you into the spirit of things and makes you realise that Christmas is coming.”
Barbara Haxton, Eastern Beach
