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Jackie Smith does not look forward to Christmas. Whilst it may be a time of giving, that privilege can come with a cost - which in turn can lead to difficulties.

To cope with the festive season, Jackie normally she tries to start her Christmas shopping in June. If she hasn't started then she begins to panic, as she knows the cost will mount up.

Jackie scours the 'pound' shops, jumble sales and charity shops for good presents.

Christmas 2006 was particularly difficult after her mentally ill grandmother threw Jackie and her family out of the house, forcing them to live in a bed and breakfast for seven weeks.

This year things are a bit rosier.

Jackie's family have a home of their own and although financially it will remain difficult, Jackie thinks they're luckier than a lot of people.