NEW polling by StepChange Debt Charity reveals a worrying trend this festive season: more than one in four people (26%) in Wales are finding it difficult to afford Christmas. The survey also shows that over one in twenty (6%) plan to turn to credit to cover holiday expenses.

The study, conducted by YouGov, highlights broader national issues across Great Britain:

• Over a third (35%) of households with children are struggling to meet Christmas costs.
• One in twelve people (8%)—around 4 million—intend to rely on credit to fund festive spending.
• Of those using credit, nearly four in ten (38%) will choose Buy Now, Pay Later services, a rise from 36% last year.

StepChange anticipates a surge in people seeking help with debt in January, urging anyone facing financial challenges to seek advice early.

Financial strain grows

Richard Lane, Chief Client Officer at StepChange, said: “The Christmas period is often especially difficult for those already facing financial hardship. The pressure to create a perfect holiday often leads to overspending, and turning to credit can cause further strain as the new year begins.

“With rising energy bills and high housing costs squeezing budgets, many households have little left for festive spending.

“If you’re considering borrowing through credit cards, Buy Now, Pay Later, or other forms of lending, it’s vital to evaluate whether repayments will be manageable. Loved ones wouldn’t want you to jeopardize your financial health out of generosity. Support is available, and it’s never too early to seek help if you’re concerned about debt.”

Managing festive finances

StepChange has shared three practical tips for staying on top of holiday finances:

1. Set a budget
   Assess your disposable income and determine what you can realistically afford to spend. Planning ahead can prevent unnecessary debt.
2. Shop smart
   Focus on items you genuinely need and watch for deals. A clear shopping list can help avoid impulse purchases.
3. Be cautious with credit
   High-cost borrowing, such as short-term loans or Buy Now, Pay Later schemes, can lead to financial stress if repayments become unmanageable. Consider whether the short-term gain is worth the long-term impact.

THE FESTIVE FRIENDS of Milford Haven School are back, bringing their Christmas magic to the community for a second year running.

Following the success of last year’s initiative, the Festive Friends project has returned to combat loneliness and spread holiday cheer. This heartwarming effort is made possible through support from the Ascona Community Foundation, whose funding has helped the students kick off another season of joy.

The pupils marked the start of Advent by visiting Hubberston and Hakin Community Centre, where they hosted a festive afternoon for the Stroke Survivors Group. Attendees were treated to Christmas bingo, seasonal quizzes, and delicious treats, creating a joyful and inclusive atmosphere.

One Milford Haven student reflected on the experience, saying: “It was an honour to be part of this project and socialise with the older members of our community. Their stories are so interesting, and they’re so funny.” Another student added: “I’m so happy our school lets us work with the community. It’s inspired me to give back in the future.”

The project’s impact was felt deeply by attendees, with one guest commenting: “This was such a lovely way to start the countdown to Christmas. I don’t get out much, so it was wonderful to be among friends and chat with young people from our community.” Another remarked: “The students were so polite and kind. The school should be incredibly proud of them.”

With its second year proving just as successful as the first, the Festive Friends project has once again highlighted the power of community, kindness, and Christmas spirit.

A CALL for Pembrokeshire County Council to spread a little festive cheer by not issuing any court summonses for non-payment of council tax as a way of “showing empathy” for residents under financial pressure is to be heard later this week.

A Notice of Motion by Independent group leader Cllr Huw Murphy, to be heard at the December 12 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council, asks: “That PCC do not issue any summonses for appearance at magistrates court for non-payment of council tax during the month of December.”

It adds: “At a Corporate O&S meeting on November 14 it was disclosed that since April 2024 PCC have sent out 14,000 reminder letters with regards to council tax (late payment) and issued 4,000 summonses for non-payment of council tax, which clearly evidences the financial pressure many Pembrokeshire residents currently face.

“December is for many families a festive month and although the debt does not go away the avoidance of any prosecutions during the month of December in the lead up to the festive holiday will indicate some empathy by PCC towards its residents under most financial pressure.”

The notice of motion will be heard at the December 12 meeting.

Cllr Murphy is no stranger to festive cheer calls; last year asking for the council to overturn a “mean-spirited” decision to end the free collection of trees in Pembrokeshire after the festive season.

That 2023 ‘Christmas tree call-in’ motion, supported by councillors Vanessa Thomas, Anji Tinley, Alan Dennison, Elwyn Morse, Michael James and Iwan Ward, was defeated by nine votes to four.