That's bad news. Very bad news.
I'd bet some of the spending that's going on is being done by those who can least afford it.
It's so easy to get carried away at Christmas time. We are bombarded with "bargains" everywhere we look.
The letterbox is stuffed full of pamphlets telling us not to miss out on this or that.
There is undoubtedly a buzz in the air when you go to the shops at this time of year.
It's so easy to zip-zap the credit card and walk out with armloads of goodies.
In fact these days you don't even have to zip-zap the card - you can just flash it in front of the terminal, just like that.
No pin number. It's a bit like shop and go.
The other thing that drives some Christmas shoppers is expectations. They think such-and-such will expect a fantastic present from them. They just know their children are expecting an iPad or a computer. They don't like to disappoint them even if they can't afford it.
Then of course there's the "just in case" spending. We'd better buy extra presents just in case so-and-so turns up or just in case so-and-so has a gift for you.
If you must buy "just in case presents", get a $10 pressie card, then if no one turns up at least you can use it for something useful and you are not stuck with unwanted gifts.
It's not until the New Year when the bills start rolling in that people realise the damage they have done.
Imagine how you would feel if you found out someone had bought you a gift they couldn't afford.
Think about them struggling to pay their bills or, worse still, feeding their family because they gave expensive gifts. I'm sure we would all rather go without than have that on our conscience.
The really sad thing about it is the kids who live in poverty don't want or expect expensive gifts.
I'm sure they would be happy with food on the table, in the cupboards and fridge and clean sheets on their beds.
Most kids would more than likely exchange their expensive gifts for their parents' undivided attention.
So next year, why not go camping for a few days instead of buying presents for each other?
Memories last forever, possessions are more often than not broken or discarded in the toybox or wardrobe within days.
Speaking of people in need, I just want to say what an absolutely fantastic community we live in.
The Hawke's Bay Today Christmas Cheer appeal is proof of that.
People are so generous. Just look at what happened when Napier mum Gabby Allen decided she wanted to help families in need throughout Hawke's Bay.
Gabby has a Facebook page "Out and About with Kids in Hawke's Bay" and decided it would be a great way to appeal to the public to help those in need.
She was overwhelmed with gifts, both new and second-hand, that have since been given to Dove Hawke's Bay and the Salvation Army for distribution.
Well done, Gabby and all the people involved.
It's people like you that make Christmas time so special.
