Expensive Christmas can ‘spoil life’, says Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby

Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, has warned that expensive Christmas presents could damage relationships if they leave people short of money (Getty)

Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, has warned that expensive Christmas presents could damage relationships if they leave people short of money.

Dr Welby told ITV: “The secular over-the-topness, everything you have to have, new clothes you have to have, new this, new that, new the other, is ridiculous, it shouldn’t happen. It puts pressure on relationships because when you’re short of money you argue. You get cross with your kids more easily, it spoils life.”

The Archbishop said that if he suggested people stop giving each other gifts at Christmas, no one would listen. “Giving at Christmas reflects the generosity of God. So be generous in a way that shows love and affection rather than trying to buy love and affection,” he added.