That's the view of most Bermudians, who plan to settle down with their families and friends to open presents, bought despite the recession.

Yesterday, Hamilton shoppers told The Royal Gazette what they think about this Christmas.

For most, it will be a merry Christmas with friends and family, with smaller presents but not too much worry about the recession.

"I was very careful about what I bought,'' said Ms Elizabeth Nickson, 36.

"In the past, I wasn't quite as careful.'' "You have to think a little more carefully before you buy,'' said Mrs. Mac Musson.

The poll also netted people who didn't think the recession had affected their spending.

Mrs. Terry Leal, a mother of two, said the recession had not caused her problems buying gifts.

New Jersey resident Mrs. Thelma Webb, who is visiting her daughter, agreed with that view. She said: "No, not really.'' Miss Nicola Mello, 11, said she didn't have problems with Christmas shopping because she makes a lot of gifts herself.

Canadian Mr. George Abram, who visits Bermuda with his family every Christmas, said he even buys his presents here instead of in Canada. "My wife won't shop otherwise,'' he said.

Food played a large part of some people's plans. When asked what she was going to do, Mrs. Musson immediately said, "Cook.'' Mr. Abram said, "We're going to have a big dinner...lunch at the Newstead Inn.'' The other visitor interviewed, Mr. Robert Currie, is staying at the Hamilton Princess Hotel. "We'll generally go along with the festivities,'' he said.

For Mr. Abram, Christmas is "no stress at all.'' Miss Rachael Black, 16, said that the holiday was "definitely'' hectic, with everyone trying to find presents.

Ms. Paula Saints, 23, also said she was "running around trying to decide what to buy.'' And Mr. Ming said when he eventually got his Christmas tree, he had to pay "an arm and a leg'' for it.

But Mrs. Musson emphasised that: "The greatest fun is pulling all our resources together and making it a positive day.'' Mr. Kent Ming Mr. Robert Currie Mrs. Thelma Webb Ms Elizabeth Nickson.