Only 41 more sleeps, as of Wednesday, November 13, 2024, before Christmas! The elves are in the starting blocks, Santa Claus is warming up to be in good shape on the big day. And Mariah Carey continues to shout. All she wants for Christmas is to sing.
The time has come, for the most far-sighted at least, to think about gifts. And, perhaps, plan a budget for all those end-of-year expenses that create a hole in the savings account. With inflation and rising prices, Santa will have little sea urchins in his pockets this year. Or at least it should be a little less generous than in recent years.
According to a CSA Cofidis study published on November 12, 2024 (and carried out from October 17 to 21 with 1,010 adults), the average budget per person amounts to €497 (compared to €549 in 2023 and €749 in 2017). And it increases with age. 18-24 year olds have a budget of €326 while 35-49 year olds put forward €433 and those aged 65 and over count on €718.
14% of French people plan to spend more
A quarter of French people (24%) plan to spend less this year. Only 14% express their desire to spend more, and 62% plan to allocate the same budget as in 2023.
The main expense, unsurprisingly, concerns gifts (€323), in front of the meals (132€) and the decoration (27€). And on average, the French will buy 7 gifts, as in 2023 (and even as since 2019).
Magical will be this Christmas 2024, without doubt, but almost half of those questioned (45% precisely) “ fear that the economic context will impact the organization and preparation of the end-of-year celebrations ”, according to the study.
The concerns primarily concern:
- the price of food (40%)
- the price of gifts (30%)
- the price of fuel (8%)
- transport disruptions (8%)
Despite everything, 32% of those surveyed indicate that they are not trying to limit their spending this year. Because for many, the magic of Christmas is above all the moments spent with loved ones (30%), the lights (24%) and the Christmas tree (13%). Gifts only come in 7th position (4%).
Proof if any is needed that magic cannot be bought! Ok so be it. But, just for the record, Santa Claus, you should know this all the same: the readers of the Picard mail have been very good this year… Come on, just a few more sleeps before doing the accounts!
