The Christmas Season is upon us with our television awash with adverts – mostly, for festive foodstuffs.

The aisles of our shops were well ahead of the game as always, with most places stocking mince pies and Christmas chocolates from September. But shopping and spending money- as unavoidable as it seems, should not be what we focus most on this time of year. The Christian foundations of Christmas are about being better people and looking out for each other; the tradition of gift giving comes from that sense of making others’ lives better. In a time of so much conflict around the world and the insecure financial situation a lot of people find themselves in I think it’s time to buck the trend and find ways to celebrate the season without bankrupting ourselves.

This time of year is most magical for children, and my own kids mostly remember the experiences we had over the presents they opened. There are actually quite a few lovely things you can do to get your festive feels on without breaking the bank this year. If you can take a trip along the coast either by car or train, Torquay have a Bay of Lights trail between 1st December and 2nd January. The 1.5mile trail along the seafront looks a treat after dark and returns after last year’s success. To keep the cost down, you could pack a flask and some instant hot chocolate to enjoy on your stroll.

Exmouth’s own Winter Festival and Christmas lights switch on happens next weekend with a free event on the theme of Fire and Ice in The Strand. Starting at 3pm there will be music and walkabout performers followed by the lights switch on at 7.30pm and much more.

If it’s Santa you’re after, head along to Ikea where members of the free-to-join ‘family’ scheme can meet the big man himself also for free on certain dates. If you don’t want to miss out, check out the Ikea website for details of how to book.

Of course, there are lots of Christmas markets on too if you do have some pennies to spend and it’s always worth supporting local shops and craftspeople where possible. But don’t overlook charity shops for decorations, wrapping paper, cards and even some presents,- doing some good and keeping your own costs down at the same time.

It’s hard not to get swept along in the frenzy, but I’m always minded of that saying it’s all about presence not presents. Here’s to a stress-free, affordable Christmas.