ISOBELLE Taylor, 19, Burton Joyce, unemployed, said: "I spent the last two-and-a-half months volunteering in Kenya where some people couldn't even afford to buy a loaf of bread. I wasn't impressed with how commercial Christmas is in this country."

JODHI Brown-Needham, 18, Mansfield, student, said: "I have no Christmas debt, no credit cards and no student loans.

"I don't see the point of getting into debt."

JOAN Bond, 67, Bramcote, retired, said: "I don't need to budget at Christmas because I know how much I have to spend; that's how I was brought up.

"I keep out of debt for simplicity. It suits me that way; it's not for moral reasons."

JANE Clarkson, 42, Mansfield, administration manager, said: "I don't get into debt over Christmas because I start saving in January. I put away £20 a month into a building society so it gains a bit of interest.

"I don't like debt. The only debts I have are for my car and mortgage."

RICHARD Groom, 21, Nuthall, chef, said: "I overspent at Christmas by about £100 because I spoilt my family and girlfriend.

"Over the Christmas period I went out a few times a week and spent about £50 a night, which is quite a lot."

STEPHANIE Rolan, 20, Arnold, receptionist, said: "I make sure I don't get into debt by spreading my Christmas shopping out. This year I started at the end of September.

"I also make sure that I stick to a budget as I have overspent in the past. This year I spent between £150 and £180."