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Experts available: Christmas edition

Christmas wreath.
The silly season is approaching...

CHRISTMAS SPENDING SURVIVAL GUIDE

‘Tis is the season to shop ‘til you drop but getting into the spirit can be jolly expensive if you aren’t careful in your Christmas spending.

  • Finance expert Associate Professor Peter Phillips says Christmas is an expensive time of year for many families who might have to cut back on spending to stay afloat amid the cost-of-living crisis. He can discuss the biggest mistakes people make and share his top spending tips to ensure you don’t have a financial hangover in the New Year. Media contact: Griffith Thomas 0467 242 435

*Please note Associate Professor Phillips is available for interviews from December 6.

TRADITIONS FOR AN AUTHENTIC AUSSIE CHRISTMAS

Christmas is a holiday full of traditions, but in Australia it is a mixed bag of customs from the Northern Hemisphere… including some that are quintessentially Australian - like backyard cricket and eating prawns.

  • Historian and cultural studies expert Professor Marcus Harmes says there are traditions that work in Australia but many that don’t and that includes the big guy’s red coat and boots, and the hot-cooked roast lunch. Media contact: Griffith Thomas 0467 242 435

HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY HEALTHY CHRISTMAS

The holiday season is supposed to be a special time of the year, but it can also be stressful for people who struggle to stick to healthy and nutritious foods or tend to overindulge during the festive period. This is particularly important due to rising obesity rates for children and adults in Queensland.

  • Public health expert Dr Aletha Ward says building some healthier eating habits is the key to surviving the silly season. Including more fruit and vegetables in meals or platters is just one way to keep a little balance while celebrating with food. Dr Ward can also discuss the biggest health risks associated with overindulging in food. Media contact: Griffith Thomas 0467 242 435

HOW TECHNOLOGY HAS TRANSFORMED CHRISTMAS

Technological advancements in recent years have influenced and changed the way many celebrate the festive season. Without digital innovation, we wouldn’t be able to send electronic Christmas cards or enjoy a Zoom Christmas party with loved ones interstate or overseas.

  • Tech guru Associate Professor Andrew Maxwell can discuss all matters related to technology and Christmas, including the hidden dangers and extra costs associated with Christmas light displays and home security tips to keep “bad Santas” from breaking in and taking more than your cookies and milk. Media contact: Griffith Thomas 0467 242 435

BE AWARE OF CHRISTMAS-TIME CYBER RISKS

Christmas is a time for giving but also the perfect time for cybercriminals as they target online shoppers.

  • Cyber security expert Dr Michael Lane can discuss what people can do to protect themselves from cybercriminals when shopping online. Media contact: Griffith Thomas 0467 242 435

*Please note Dr Lane is available for interviews from December 8.