It’s so hard to resist overspending at Christmas – here’s how to reinforce your willpower

By Samantha Brooks, Associate Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience, Liverpool John Moores University

We often throw caution to the cold, dark wind of December when it comes to spending. The cost-of-living crisis may slip our minds amid the razzle-dazzle of Christmas. We just want a moment to enjoy ourselves, to forget about the winter gloom. It’s natural for us to behave this way. Our brains are wired for it.

People in the UK spend on average an extra £700 at Christmas. The UK Office…

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