THE AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD will spend up to €1,463 on Christmas this year, a new survey has found.

Research undertaken on behalf of Aviva found that the bulk of this figure is spent on gifts (in the region of €300 – €620).

About €340 goes on food and drinks; socialising sets us back €228 and other extras such as decorations and buying clothes for Christmas Day cost €210.

The survey, which included 960 participants, also found that over two thirds of those questioned indicated they didn’t intend to spend any more money than they spent last Christmas.

When asked where they would cut back, the study found that:

• One in five (21%) would spend less on gifts
• 18% intended to consume less food and drink
• More than one in four (27%) said they would cut back on the cost of home decorations
• 23% said they would spend less on socialising and events such as pantomimes
• 19% said they will reduce their discretionary spend on items such as ‘Christmas Day outfits’

So, does this sound about right? Let us know in the comments. (Yes, we know it’s 5 November.)

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