The Office of Fair Trading have published their twelve step guide to avoiding a debt hangover this Christmas.
Amongst the tips they urge people to make a budget factoring in all of the essentials, to see what will be left for the festivities.
They say that affordability should be prioritised over desirability, stressing that most people will appreciate the gesture and thought rather than how much it cost.
Things like shopping around for the best price, and being careful if you are going to use a credit card are essential practices.
Concluding their twelve tips they urge people not to panic, and to make contact with the OFT's Debt Counsellors on 08081 624080.