This year, the budget allocated to the end-of-year celebrations drops by 52 euros compared to that of 2023 (CSA Institute for Cofidis). In Bastia, the trend seems to confirm that many people have to be careful with their spending.
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Gifts for children, meals, trips to visit family, decorations… Christmas is a time when expenses are numerous. For some, the budget is limited and holiday shopping can be a source of anxiety. Even if inflation fell in 2024, 1.2% in October, compared to 4% at the same period in 2023, purchasing power is far from being at its peak.
Many people still have to tighten their belts at the end of the month or even save money all year round to hope to organize wonderful end-of-year celebrations.
In Bastia, the problem is particularly visible, with many people reporting their difficulties. This is particularly the case for Julie, she is 38 years old and is employed in mass distribution, to please her two children, she had to adapt expenses : “This year, I had to reduce my budget to 150 euros. Before, I could go up to 300 or 400 euros, but with prices increasing everywhere, it’s impossible.” she explains. Before adding with emotion: “Everything is more expensive: electricity, groceries, even toys. We feel stuck. I even thought about not giving any presents this year, but it’s hard to say that to kids.”
Julie is not the only one to have lowered her budget, for some the nature of the gifts has also changed: “For children, a toy each, but nothing very expensive. For the adults, we decided with the family not to treat ourselves to anything this year. It will be a shared meal, that’s already good” testifies Marco, 47 years old, construction worker. For others, like Lola, a 41-year-old nurse, it was necessary to take out consumer credit. A decision that is difficult for this single mother to live with: “It’s heavy. We work hard, but we don’t succeed. It’s a lot of stress. Doing Christmas on credit is not what I would call joy.”she laments.
Christmas becomes a luxury. It’s sad, but it’s reality.
Marco
Construction worker
This situation is also noticed by traders, particularly those who work at the Christmas market, on Place Saint-Nicolas in Bastia. Anna runs a craft products stand, she sees the difference this year: “I notice that they are spending a lot less than in previous years. People often tell me that they look first before buying, because they have to compare prices.”she says.
Despite these adjustments, the Christmas spirit remains intact in Bastia. Paul, a 22-year-old student, sums up the attitude of many residents well: “I prefer to offer symbolic things and spend time with family, rather than breaking the bank. The important thing is to be all together.”
Thus, despite budgetary constraints, the essential thing for many remains to share precious moments with their loved ones, even if this requires some sacrifices.
