Cost of family festivities up tenfold

Christmas costs 10 times as much as it did 30 years ago, research revealed today.

The cost of an average family Christmas this year - complete with turkey, Brussels sprouts, mince pies, presents and tinsel - is £338.46. In 1973, it cost £34.89, according to the study.

Using an old formula devised by Conservative MP Sally Oppenheim, who became Minister for Consumer Affairs, the basket of items recorded includes fresh turkey, but no stuffing, bacon, chipolata sausages or cranberry sauce.

Nor is there any smoked salmon, cheese or wine - although there is a place for three bottles of spirits.

In research carried out by The Times, it was found that the cost of Christmas had increased tenfold in 30 years - and by £145 in the past decade.

The biggest price rise was for the Christmas tree itself - 66 times its 1973 price.