Many Albertans may be opting for a frugal Christmas this holiday season.
In a holiday spending report released on Thursday by ATB Financial, many Albertans said they will be spending less money over the Christmas season.
Forty one per cent of Albertans said they intend to spend less money this year on Christmas than they did last year. Of those who are scaling back their spending, 19 per cent say that they will spend a lot less than last year and 22 per cent say they will spend somewhat less.
The economy is mainly to blame for the reduced spending. Eighty four per cent of those who are spending less are citing the economic downturn as their reason for being thrifty over the holiday season.
“It is what we expected,” Rob Roach, director of insight at ATB Financial said. “It’s a confirmation that we are not out of the woods yet in terms of the recession and that people are still anxious about their spending. It’s another tough year.”
The report also found that 69 per cent of Albertans are planning on staying home over the break and Roach said that is good news for the local economy.
“Even though it is the recession that is keeping them home, that does indicate that they will be around the province,” Roach said. “Even if they aren’t spending a lot of money, they will be spend it here rather than Mexico or California or wherever they might have gone.”
For those who are planning on staying home over Christmas and spending less, there is plenty to do in St. Albert.
“Do things with the family,” Suzan Krecsy, executive director of the St. Albert Food Bank said. “Don’t be so inclined to think that Christmas is just about gifts. Spend some good quality family time together.”
Krecsy suggests saving money on decorations by going to the dollar store or creating home-made decorations for the season. Making decorations together can be a fun activity for the whole family, she said.
Another holiday tip is to bake seasonal treats together as a family rather than buying them from the store.
The St. Albert recreation facilities can host the whole family for fun activities over the holiday break.
Fountain Park pool is open over the holidays and Servus Credit Union Place has plenty of activities to keep everyone active. Daily drop-in at Servus Place can allow the family to practice their pickleball skills or try a new game at the Family Games Night. The facility has a skate rental for anyone who wants to go for a spin on the ice without having to purchase expensive skates.
Anyone who is having trouble making ends meet over the holiday season and can’t budget for presents may pick gifts from the Salvation Army Holiday Store. The program is coordinated through the food bank and families can head over the store to pick out presents for the whole family, free of charge.
The food bank also hands out special holiday hampers so every family can have a special feast on Christmas day.
For more information on inexpensive and free activities in the city over the break, visit the city website at www.stalbert.ca. Anyone in need of social support over holiday season can contact the food bank at 780-459-0599.
