As the happiest time of year draws near, Jamaicans are thinking of ways to cut down on spending while still enjoying the Yuletide season.

The economic meltdown, which has changed the lives of many Jamaicans, has forced many to cut back on the exorbitant spending that was once associated with Christmas. This year, most Jamaicans will be celebrating a low key Christmas.

A 23-year-old single mother from Montego Bay said she would be watching her spending this Christmas, especially since she would not be receiving a bonus. She said, "From last year we were to get a bonus, but the boss said it was a recession so we could not get it and he said the same this year." She said the bonus would have come in handy.

She said, "I can bake a little cake because my family will eat that, but for things like lights and Christmas trees, which won't be used after Christmas, I won't bother to waste any money on those. I won't even buy any expensive gifts."

opportunity to unwind

Young professionals, who usually use the Christmas season as an opportunity to unwind and party, will also be cutting back. Mellie B, a 26-year-old, told THE STAR: "I won't be going all out at all. I can't. I'm cutting on everything. I won't be going to any events per se, maybe small get-togethers with friends where no fancy clothes are required. The least I'll do is decorate the house a little and maybe buy a shiny blouse for work." I will still get gifts, but smaller, more meaningful gifts."

Rising food costs and the ever-increasing cost of utilities has also made many Jamaicans re-examine their Christmas list. While many are keen on maintaining the Christmas cheer, they are quite cognizant that life will continue after Christmas. A 28-year-old married mother of two said the recession will severely affect her family as a result of the increase in food prices and bills. She said the amount of money that is usually spent buying gifts will have to be used to cover bills that have rolled over into December. She said, however, "We are a Christians and as Christians we believe that we will survive."

Not everyone, however, foresees a pinch on the Christmas wallet. A 55-year-old businessman and family man told THE STAR that he would not really be affected much this season as he did not usually go overboard with regard to spending during Christmas. "For me, Christmas is usually surrounded by my activities in the church," he said. He said Christmas was normally a happy time for him and he anticipated that the recession would have a negative impact on persons' spending as a result of the loss of jobs.