People in Ireland will spend an average of 600 euro on presents, food and decorations this Christmas, according to a survey by the Irish League of Credit Unions.

Meanwhile, just over half of people say they're struggling to pay heating costs.

The average festive spend of 600 euro has gone up only by ten euro since this time last year.

But, nearly 30 per cent of people are feeling better about their financial situation in the run up to Christmas this year, compared to only a quarter of people last year.

There is a gender gap though - 32 per cent of men are happier about their finances, compared to 27 per cent of women.

Three-quarters of people find the overall cost of running their home much harder over the Christmas period.

And on average, it will take consumers 8 and a half weeks to recover from festive over-spending.

71 per cent of us think Irish people spend too much money around this time - but 60 per cent said there's nothing better than a proper Irish Christmas.