Will you be lonely this Christmas? Poverty has some South West adults looking to stay on their own this Christmas

What if those Magi had suffered a tough year? Gold, frankincense and ‘best wishes’ might not have cut it for the wise men. No surprise then that some of those facing financial hardship today don’t feel they can turn up to family and friends empty-handed.

Research released today on behalf of the poverty charity Elizabeth Finn Care has revealed 13 per cent of South West adults would look to a lonely Christmas, rather than turn up empty-handed to family and friends (on the other hand, 87 per cent are happy to be moochers!).

It is also a Christmas of belt-tightening. The research also reveals that 32 per cent are spending less money this Christmas compared to previous years, with 22 per cent cutting back on socialising with family and friends, 86 per cent spending less on presents and 50 per cent reducing their food costs.

Meanwhile, of those who are celebrating Christmas, 18 per cent are using credit cards (and not paying off the balance in full each month), 60 per cent are using their savings and 10 per cent are relying on overdrafts to cover the costs of the festive period.

Elizabeth Finn Care says it knows from experience through the people it helps that social exclusion affects those living in financial difficulty. Over half of the people that seek support from the charity don’t have enough money to visit family and friends, while 25 per cent can’t afford public transport.

Bryan Clover, director of casework at Elizabeth Finn Care, told the PRSD: “Social exclusion is a large part of living in financial hardship and leaves people feeling depressed and vulnerable. Christmas is a time for spending with loved ones and friends, but these results suggest many people in the South West could be facing a lonely Christmas, resulting from financial burden.

“Many people who have lost their jobs this year will be using up all their savings and relying on credit cards to fund Christmas this year, too embarrassed perhaps to seek financial support – keeping up appearances, in effect.  It’s never easy to ask for help, but charities such as Elizabeth Finn Care can prevent people from falling into a downward spiral of debt.”

• What are you doing for Christmas? Comments below, please?