As shoppers brave the High Streets and turkeys start to look a bit nervous, one Glastonbury man is urging others to have a compassionate Christmas this year, by leaving turkey off the menu and giving ethical gifts.

Paul Devine, a member of Animal Aid said: "'I fail to understand why, when there are so many alternatives, it is still seen as acceptable to put any animals through the horrors of the abattoir and intensive breeding systems, simply for a fleeting meal.

"For me, this is a question of living guilt-free and saving lives. Surely these things should be more important at Christmas than at any other time of year."

Instead, Mr Devine will tuck into homemade roast chestnut and carrot soup for starters and, for the main course, a wild mushroom, sundried tomato, spinach and risotto 'pie'. It will be served with garlic roast potatoes, red cabbage cooked in red wine with juniper berries, mashed potato, Brussels sprouts, and a red wine gravy.

"This is a lot of food," he said.

"But if there's room my wife makes a tasty vegan Christmas pudding with loads of nuts and fruit, which is served with soya custard or cream."

As well as his meat-free meal, Paul has asked his family and friends to adopt a sheep at Fleecehaven Sheep Sanctuary in Exmoor, instead of giving him a Christmas gift.

And he won't be alone – over 15 million UK shoppers are expected to buy ethical Christmas presents this year, according to a new survey.

The research shows that at least one in three people are planning to buy ethical gifts this Christmas, including gifts, clothing and food that are ethically-produced, organic or naturally-sourced, charity gifts or donations or green gifts with an environmental theme.

The boom in sustainable and ethical Christmases is expected to provide a boost to Glastonbury High Street in the run up to Christmas, with many traders reporting a boost in their sales as shoppers stock up for Christmas.

Of course, traditional shops are also gearing up for a busy time – with Stephens Butchers gearing up for their busiest time of the year.

Will you be having an ethical, or traditional Christmas this year?

Do you think Christmas has become too commercial?

Will you be giving any ethical gifts?

We'd love to hear from you – write to the editor at ed itor@midsomnews.co.uk, or write to the Central Somerset Gazette, Southover, Wells, Somerset BA5 1UH.