You don't have to spend spend spend to have an excellent Christmas. It's about being together, resting and having fun. We have a chicken, which isn't expensive. I like to knit or sew gifts, or plant Spring bulbs in pots as a present. Homemade decorations are great fun to make, especially if you have children. The trouble is nowadays the children compete with one another to have the latest technology, designer clothes etc. which cost the Earth. Why not say NO? It's only a 'rip-off' if you let it!