The Church of England has released three money-saving videocasts for shoppers, including one advising Christmas buyers to use cash rather than credit cards to protect them from unmanageable debt.
The church's national stewardship officer, Dr John Preston, said spending on a card only involved "one slip and one signature" while spending cash meant the buyer would "really feel the difference".
A spreadsheet planner will be made available with the other two videocasts, which aims to stop people "panic shopping" and spending more than they intended.
Dr Preston said: "With Christmas just a few weeks away, the shops are full of present ideas and Christmas shoppers. Millions and millions of pounds will be spent in the run-up to Christmas on gifts and food.
"In fact Christmas Day, one survey shows, costs an average of £564 per family, and that does not include any presents."
The scheme, Wishing You an Affordable Christmas, has been devised as part of the Church of England debt initiative aimed at helping people through the credit crunch.
