GONE are the days of woolly red stockings packed with gifts and hung on the fireplace.

Surveys have shown that today’s woman is after money or vouchers for Christmas.

But the women gathered at Rossendale Hospice’s Ladies That Lunch fundraiser like it both ways, with most hoping for surprise presents on Christmas morning as well as a trip to the shops to spend money or vouchers.

Eileen Foley, 35, from Darwen, said the credit crunch had changed her choices: “It used to be vouchers for Selfridges or Harvey Nicholls, but now I’d like River Island, Next and TopShop as you get more for the money.”

Kate Holland, 38, a part-time marketing manager from Barrowford, says vouchers prevent wasteful spending.

“Rather than spending money willy-nilly and getting someone the wrong thing, I think people know would rather someone can get what they want.”

Full-time mum Jill Greensmith, 38, of Crawshawbooth, has got a Christmas list but would rather have vouchers.

For others, it’s all about surprise and unwrapping gifts on Christmas Day.

Call centre manager Lianne Knowles, 38, from Accrington, is hoping to receive charms for a bracelet she got last year.

“It’s about half full now, so there’s still some way to go,” she said. “I’m a bit like a child — I get excited for the unwrapping, but I like a bit of money to spend too.”

Susan Crossley, 58, from Rawtenstall, who owns Distinctive Lighting, thinks giving money is a ‘cop out’.

“It’s nice to open something, even if you’re a little disappointed,” she said.

For some women, the family side of Christmas far outweighs any presents.

Sandra Edmond, 42, owner of online boutique Elizabeth Couture, from Read, can’t wait for family time after her business’s busiest period.

“I’m looking forward to a rest and time with my four children,” she said. “I shop online, and am not one for traipsing the stores, but I do like the thought that goes into an actual gift.”

While most people know what they want, not everyone’s so keen on Christmas.

“It’s over-rated for me,” said Claire Murphy, director of Sparkle Academy, from Haslingden.

“If people insist then I do like cash and vouchers, but it’s only so I can then buy things as and when I need them.”

And spare a thought for bank manager Wendy England, 42, from Loveclough, whose husband gives her a £50 cheque each year.

“He says ‘treat yourself, as long as it’s something sensible’. Last year I got wellies,” she said.