Ensure Christmas shopping within budget, says pol-sec

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Kijan Toynbee

MIRI: Those shopping for the coming Christmas celebration must spend wisely so as not to bust their budget.

This advice came from political secretary to the chief minister Kijan Toynbee, who said Christmas is to be celebrated spiritually and not just materially.

“As we already know, the price of some daily essentials, such as sugar, has gone up.

“Therefore, it would be wise to really plan on what to buy before you actually go shopping so that you do not end up buying unnecessary things,” she said when met by The Borneo Post yesterday.

She pointed out that a simple Christmas celebration would still be meaningful if it is celebrated with a grateful heart and in the spirit of tolerance, love and humility.

To those planning to go back to their villages to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, she advised them to plan their journey properly.

“The price of fuel had gone up. If they are going in a big car, perhaps they can car pool with someone who is going to the same destination and share the cost of the road trip with them. This will also give them opportunity to bond with their friends,” she said.

Meanwhile, a housewife who only wished to be known as Madam Ting said she would be reducing the number of items in her shopping list this Christmas.

“Normally, my husband and I would buy new shoes and clothing for our children for Christmas, but this year there may be no new shoes and they all still have nice shoes to wear.

“Perhaps this year, we will only buy new clothes for them and we will also have a simple Christmas celebration,” she said.

Ting said initially her husband planned to drive back to their kampong in Serian for Christmas but the plan was cancelled to save money as one of their children would go to kindergarten next year.

“We need to save some money to buy school stationery and put aside some money for her registration fee too,” Ting pointed out.