How much do the French spend at Christmas?

For people around the world, the French included, Christmas is a time of mirth and cheer. It’s a time to reconnect with family and take some respite from the cold weather with festive food and presents. But it’s also, for precisely that reason, a time when many people find themselves a bit strapped for cash.

It’s not just the presents. It’s also the decorations, the food and drink, and travelling across or even out of the country to see family.

But how much exactly do they spend? You may find the answer surprising.

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A 2024 report on behalf of Cofidis determined that the French, on average, spend €497 at Christmas. This is the lowest it has been since 2017. A Statista poll, also taken this year, gave an even lower figure at €482, and the bulk of it was spent on gifts (€323), with €132 spent on the Christmas dinner and a further €27 spent on decorations.

What could explain the decrease in festive spending? Experts believe it’s all down to the stagnating economy. Like many countries around the world, France’s economy took a hit during the COVID-19 pandemic, and is currently growing at a relatively sluggish pace of 0.7%.

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Talking about financial doom and gloom might not be super Christmassy, but the French are doing their best to make this Christmas a special one. Paris is festooned with Christmas, and now shops and chalets are being set up for the festive period. While retailers may be feeling the effects of tightened budgets, many shoppers are turning to second-hand gifts. Even when money might be tight, the Christmas spirit lives on.

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