Support Irish business - Practical ways to help

The average spending of Irish households at Christmas is €943. This is 40% more than the European average and almost four times as much as the Dutch spend.

Our economy has been showing a modest growth, so the recession is officially over, but most people are still feeling the downturn. One-third of people expect things to get worse, because they are already so much in debt.

Despite the fiscal drawbacks, Irish people still have a strong desire to splash out at Christmas. For some it may be a way of escape from the gloom of the current economic situation. Many undoubtedly remember Christmas as a happy time in their childhood, and they are anxious for their children to have similar memories.

People should, however, make a more concerted effort to keep as much money as possible in the local economy. A coupon to a local hotel, restaurant or local service business is a nice gift not only for the recipient but also for the business involved and their employees.

Irish businesses should come up with imaginative ways to encourage such sharing. This spirit of Christmas is certainly not something of which we should be ashamed. It should be cherished.