IT will soon be Christmas. The shop windows look beautiful and tempting. The television is advertising toys, games, clothes and furniture.

They want you to spend, spend, spend. After all, you don’t have to start paying until next year.

But this is all wrong. It sends out the wrong message, and encourages people to get into serious debt, especially the young and vulnerable.

People are short of cash. There are a million young people out of work. They have no hope or prospects for the future. They can see no light at the end of the tunnel. People are desperate and some turn to crime in desperation. Who have we got to thank for this? We all know who is responsible.

Please God, bring them a little hope and harmony at Christmas, and in the future.

Emma Thomas, Darlington.