The Salvation Army Bega lieutenant Deb Parsons made the comment, saying when children meet their friends after Christmas Day they ask each other what presents they received.

“There is an imbalance of gift giving,” she said.

“Some kids are piled with gifts, while others might get one or two.” 

There is also pressure on adults, as many feel the need to buy extra gifts or cook a large lunch or dinner when their families come to visit over the holiday. 

“We’ve had a number of people in tears saying their family is coming for Christmas and they have no idea how to cater for them,” Lieutenant Parsons said. 

As a result, the Salvos have been teaching downsizing over the festive season to take the financial pressure away from celebrating Christmas. 

An example was encouraging people to give presents that do not have a heavy impact on their budget, such as an invitation to dinner, a homemade gift, or a card with a promise of time or service. 

Lieutenant Parsons said people had recently been catching on to this idea of downsizing over Christmas, but she also found there had been an increased number of people giving gifts to others.

“So in that way, the spirit of Christmas isn’t dying, it’s changing and becoming more in keeping with Christmas, more about giving to people who will benefit from what you have,” she said.  

The Salvation Army Bega is currently working to identify people who would benefit from Christmas hampers this season – 50 have been allocated so far. 

Recipients may have different kinds of difficulties, such as financial hardship, be experiencing grief or loss, or be in an emergency situation. 

Lieutenant Parsons would like to hear from agencies in a position to identify such people in need in the Bega Valley in order to allocate more hampers. To do so call 0412 024 668. 

In other news, there will be a Christmas carol lunch on December 18 from 12pm at the Salvation Army’s church at 170 Auckland St, Bega.

Also, a Christmas service will be at the church on Christmas Day from 9.30am. All are welcome.