'Christmas is about making memories, not debt

Consumer expert and TV presenter Angellica Bell says we need to take a sensible approach to spending over the festive season

A familiar face on our TVs since the early noughties, Angellica Bell knows her stuff when it comes to saving money. And if there's one thing the 47-year-old, who co-hosts Shop Smart, Save Money on Channel 5, is sure about, it's that Christmas should be all about "making memories, not debt".

The mum-of-two is a huge fan of the festive season but believes that experiences and love should overshadow endless spending in the run-up to the big day.

She tells us, "We're in a cost of living crisis in the UK. Families could consider not buying gifts and just being together and sharing a meal. You really need to live for the moment and enjoy yourself."

From as far back as 2001 Angellica has felt passionately about educating other people on taking a sensible approach to money. She hosted Short Change on CBBC alongside The Gadget Show's Ortis Deley - a show that empowered young people to know about saving, spending and getting value - and most recently joined forces with money expert Martin Lewis on his show, prompting the nation into paying their credit card balances off in full each month.

Angellica's advice to anyone considering taking on debt at this time of year is, "In a nutshell, don't. What we don't want is families to feel that pressure to get into unnecessary debt just to create this magical day. Then New Year creeps in - and so do the bills.

"We can get a little excited at Christmas, but tracking what you spend is vital. Choose time over money and say no to gifts. Just be together."

But what if not giving presents isn't an option?