Parents are being urged to think about the gift of time, rather than
materialistic items this Christmas. The Problem Gambling Association says it
is very common for people to gamble in an attempt to get themselves enough
money for presents but they often end up in a worse position. Youth Services
Project team Leader Lauren Cundall says many people underestimate how
valuable time spent together is. She says things such as reading stories and
parents talking about how they spent Christmas as a child can mean so much
more than the latest ipod or CD. Ms Cundall says homemade vouchers for
something like a day at the beach, is a great idea which could create
memories to last a lifetime.