Maybe it's just me.
Maybe I somehow transformed into a Scrooge-like figure during the pandemic and I'm only realising it now.
I suppose one of the positives of the lockdowns during the past 19 months is that some of us got to save some money.
From saving diesel for the morning commute and no need for childcare, to no nights out and therefore no need for new outfits, I know I've certainly seen a difference.
I'm starting to think this saving somehow got me into a new mindset which has seen me become more frugal and less in the mood to part with my hard-earned cash.
Then again, all we have heard about these past few months is about how the cost of things is going to rocket - and boy, was that right.
With less than two months to go until Christmas has anyone else noticed that the cost of everything festive-related has just soared?
Every year, we try to treat the kids in December to a Christmas day out here and there but the price of such outings this year is just ridiculous.
I mean come on guys, I don't want to buy the North Pole, I just want the kids to get a taste of it.
The other week I saw a Christmas event advertised and I had a look at it to see what it entailed.
As far as I could see, it was just a meet-and-greet with a fictional character popular with kids, with no food on offer and yet it would have cost a family-of-four just over £60 to book.
Is it just me or does this not sound a little bit steep?
When I checked out another Christmas outing, which we have visited before, the cost increase was just phenomenal.
Now, don't get me wrong, I know such events take a lot of planning and staff etc but there is just no way I would have paid the money they were asking.
I've even noticed a difference in the price of festive-themed arts and crafts.
Every year, I like to buy one new decoration from a small business but have found there is at least a good £6 extra on top of paid last year, and it is a small product.
Even a visit to Santa for the kids has increased.
Now parents have to buy separately for the visit, a present and a photo.
There's just no need.
The thing is, I know times are tough for everyone but there's a small part of me that wonders if these huge price increases are absolutely justified.
I, like many people, work hard for my money and this year I will not be parting so easily with it.
Call me Scrooge or whatever you like, but that's just the way it is.
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A big thank you this week to all the lovely readers who responded to my SOS call about the agony of my sciatica.
Many of you, too many to mention individually, got in contact by phone, email and by letter to tell me about your own experiences and what helped you.
From trips to physios and special shoes to chair exercises, I was really touched that so many of you took the time to reach out.
You will be happy to know that I have now taken action and I am already feeling a form of relief.
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Competition
This week we have the chance to win a £45 voucher to use at a four-star Co Fermanagh hotel with breathtaking views,
Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel & Lodges, which is located just outside Enniskillen, is celebrating a 45-year milestone.
Since taking ownership in 1976, the Watson family have remained committed to implementing a continuous improvement programme.
A recent £1.5 million investment included the launch of six luxury Self-Catering Woodland Lodges, complete with private hot tubs, where guests can relax.
Featuring two en-suite bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, complimentary Wi-Fi and open plan lounge leading onto a private outdoor decking, they are the perfect place to enjoy an Autumn/Winter break.
In addition, the hotel also recently completed a major refurbishment of its luxury hotel bedrooms.
To celebrate the 45-year landmark, I have two £45 vouchers for Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel & Lodges to give away.
If you fancy winning a voucher, simply email your name, address and telephone number – along with the answer to the question below – to competitions@irishnews.com
Closing date for entries is noon on Tuesday, November 2, 2021
(Q) In what year did the Watson family take ownership of the Killyhevlin Hotel?
Normal Irish News rules apply
COMPETITION WINNERS
The winners of the bBold competition are Irene Carlin, from Kilcoo, Geraldine Peroulakis, from Portadown, and
Jacqueline Dilworth, from Antrim
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