An absolute majority of respondents out of a total of 2,292 in The Malta Independent Internet poll said they would be spending up to Lm50 on Christmas presents this year.

So this year, most of you should prepare for a visit from the three Christmas Ghosts – Scrooge and all that. The poll ran for a week and up to 6pm on Friday night, 1,224 voters (53 per cent) said they would be spending not more than Lm50 on Christmas gifts this year. Interestingly, the next highest figure was 483 (21 per cent) who said they would be spending over Lm150 on gifts for friends and family. The third most popular cash bracket was between Lm50 and Lm100 with 363 voters at 16 per cent followed by between Lm100 and Lm150 with 222 votes (10 per cent).

The poll shows that there is a stark contrast between spending patterns with the lowest spending returning an absolute majority vote of 53 per cent. The highest spenders at over Lm150 came in second with 21 per cent. This indicates (non-scientifically) that there is quite a large gap between the high and low spenders. Of course this could also mean that many teenagers and students took part in the poll, but the gap is evident. In fact, the Lm50-Lm100 and Lm100-Lm150 bracket put together only just outpace the high end bracket by some five percentage points.

So if one had to analyse further, the highest number of respondents (1,224) were willing to spend up to Lm50. If one were to add the two smallest groups together (Lm50-Lm100 and Lm100-Lm150) to a bracket of between Lm50 and Lm150, you would return a figure of 585. The number high-end spenders of over Lm150 would be to 483.

Comments submitted to this newspaper’s office were mainly from disgruntled citizens who could only spend up to Lm50. One man said: “How do you expect me to pay for Christmas presents. I am unemployed, can’t get a job and hence can’t afford it.”

Another man said: “The cost of living has gone up, we have been taxed heavily over the past two years, so I am spending less.” However, on a more positive note, one woman said: “I had to save harder than last year, but it’s Christmas – it’s worth it to see the joy on my children’s faces.”

So there you have it – that’s how you voted. Is this a scientific representation of what we will be spending this year? Have our pockets really been dented that badly? Or are we being typically Maltese – moaning and groaning and then just spending willy-nilly anyway. Bah humbug. You decide.

What I suggest is that for those of you who are lucky enough, spend some time with your families and enjoy a good meal with those you love because that’s the real meaning of Christmas and not what gifts you are going to give and receive.

We look forward to your participation in our next poll.