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A month and a half before Christmas Eve, nearly three-quarters of French people already know that they will pull out all the stops to celebrate the end-of-year holidays. And even if the economic context puts a damper on spending, the period would seem to be heading towards a form of abandonment.
Ah the race for gifts, the hunt for promotions to find as many toys as possible on Santa’s list, the bright atmosphere that smells of carefreeness and childhood memories… The end of the holiday season year is fast approaching, the French already know that this will be a time to put worries aside. If the current inflationary context calls for prudence in terms of spending, it seems that consumers still want to take advantage of it.
According to a study published exclusively by the LSA magazine and carried out by the YouGov institute, they say they want to let go on the budgetary level. No less than 89% of French people plan to give gifts, an increase of two points compared to last year even though this proportion has been in constant decline since 2020. Thus, “only” 24% of French people have planned to tighten your belt (-7 points) while 63% think they will spend the same, if not more, than in 2023 to fill the basket with toys. Even adults will be spoiled with 58% of respondents planning to maintain their budget or even increase it.
But Christmas isn’t just about presents. It is also an opportunity to gather around a beautiful table to share a delicious and friendly moment. The expenses to garnish it will therefore be part of the same dynamic as that to decorate the base of the tree (65% who will maintain or increase their food expenses).
Ultimately, 45% consider that the current economic situation will not change anything in their plans. A proportion that has increased sharply over one year, of around seven points. Of course, you should not assume that everything will be rosy during this period. This will be marked by “an atmosphere tinged with apprehension”, underlines YouGov. 49% still admit that the inflationary situation will have an impact on their end-of-year plans.
Slide: Christmas vacation: 10 tips to (still) relax