Christmas 2008 may prove to me memorable this year but for different reasons to previous years. With loans ever harder to get and banks still sitting tight despite the government bail out it seems that this year we will all be affected in some way and will have to take a look at expenses. Even the city big boys may well feel the cold with smaller bonuses this year.

As a dad I can relate to Arnold Scharzeneggar in the movie Jingle all the Way when he runs around on the eve of christmas trying to by the in game that christmas "Turbo man". I have done the same thing for a tele tubby doll a while back but this year I won't be.To be honest I don't know what the "in" toy will be this year and I don't care. Don't get me wrong I love christmas and it is always a big thing in our house. The outside lights around the house go up first week in December and we get into the festive spirit and enjoy all the trimmings and to excess as always. Like so many people we buy too much food. Enough for probably 10 days but to be consumed in the 3 days of christmas. We never succeed but we always give it a good go!

This year I like many I think will be wary about what the new year is going to bring. Redundancy or a pay freeze or perhaps a takeover. Even if the job is ok word is that we are in for a gloomy recession and I am tightening my belt as a result. I want my cake and eat it (literally) but how. In our house I am the traditional "man of the house" and breadwinner. I feel a bit of pressure to make sure the family have a good chrstmas and the kids in particular are lavished with presents. The thing is 2 of them are still very little. I will not succumb to pressure and buy the latest toy this year. My wife and I have been buying little inexpensive gifts for the last couple of months. My view as a dad is that my 3 year old will relish unwrapping a favourite book like the grinch who stole christmas especially if I read it to him in all thoses silly voices he enjoys. This year give them more of your time. Make some decorations with them before christmas regardless of what they look like they will love it. They will also be "special" decorations because they made them.

Don't forget that many people this year will be feeling the same way. E-bay will be a particularily great source of gifts.Many people put unwanted gifts and toys straight onto e-bay and they have never even been opened. For the snobby amongst us you don't have to say that you bought it of e-bay if that matters to you. Don't forget that if you want to buy clothes for your very young children find out when your nearest NCT  nearly new sale is going to be on. We all remember how fast the little ones grow up and the nearly new sales often mean you can pick up clothes from good high street brand for a couple of pounds.Take advantage of the sales now and if you really don't need to buy your christmas present until after christmas because you may be seeing the person for new year and not before wait for the post christmas sales.

I will be there on Christmas day presiding over our lunch and making sure that all our family and friends are well looked after and feel suitably stuffed afterwards.With some careful planning and keeping a few secrets to my self they will be none the wiser that I have been hunting for bargains and buying up presents for a good while before the big day. Some say it may not be manly to admit when times are going to be a bit harder and a tightening of the belt maybe required. When I take a look on my children's faces on christmas morning to see what Santa has brought I will feel pretty manly about it! Have a great chrstmas.