It is going to be a subdued Christmas for some Barbadians this year.
Rather than going all out with decorations, gifts and food, some people said they are opting for the “less is more” approach, especially in light of decreased spending power.
The Sunday Sun spoke to people in The City on Friday to hear their Christmas plans.
Janetta Ramsay spoke plainly, saying: “I don’t have Christmas shopping money.
“I don’t really give out gifts either. My birthday is coming on Monday [tomorrow] and I’m not going to get anything,” she said.
David Robinson said he no longer felt the Christmas spirit as in years past and could not even afford to give anyone a gift anyway.
“Things are just not the same anymore,” he said.
The high cost of living is keeping Lisa Sinclair from going big this year. She said she usually liked to “get down” for Christmas but this time around, her finances would not allow for it.
“I’m not doing a lot for Christmas this year, not like before when I used to do everything. This time, I will just get a few gifts for the people that mean the most to me,” she said.
Myrna Gittens said her Christmas plans involved “enjoying myself and going to church”. She said this year was a bit sad after the loss of some close family members.
Sean Brathwaite said it was important to have discipline during this time of year.
“The economy has always been on everyone’s lips. All year round, the economy, the economy, the economy. But you have to learn to live within your means, and you will be okay.
“If you try to live above your means, that’s where you find yourself in problems
but if you stay within your means, you will be all right,” he said.
He said he was going to have a “very quiet and peaceful Christmas” while buying “maybe one or two” gifts.
Chief Fire Officer Errol Maynard was spotted in Swan Street shortly before the Barbados Fire Service conducted an exercise there. He said Jesus was the reason for the season and urged the public to exercise caution when it came to cooking and electricity.
“I don’t really celebrate a lot at Christmas but I like to share the love, share any presents, any joy, like I do throughout the year,” he said.
“What I would encourage all Barbadians to do as they go about in a festive way is to be careful. If you’re going to be cooking a lot, don’t cook when you’re tired, and when decorating your homes, don’t overload circuits.
“Make sure that you have a safe and enjoyable Christmas and continue to share with everybody you come in contact with. Remember, in Christmas there is Jesus and there is Christ. Merry Christmas.” (CA)
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