Managing money at Christmas can be extremely stressful and the festive season can cause "a huge amount" of debt, a new report has warned.

CiC, a provider of employee assistance programmes, told recruitment magazine onrec.com that many people felt under pressure to provide expensive toys for children or to overspend on a partner.

"In addition to the obvious cost of gifts, a great deal of money can be spent on food and drink as well as travel expenses," CiC continued.

Those who find themselves in debt as a result of Christmas spending should draw up a realistic repayment plan, it urged.

However, recent research by Cornhill Direct found that ten per cent of those who borrow to fund Christmas find they are still in debt the following December.

Simon Coughlin, spokesman for the insurer, said it is "extraordinary" that one day can have such a lasting effect on people’s finances.