More than two in five Britons worry about how much Christmas is going to cost

• Seven in ten looking forward to Christmas but approaching half worry about cost
• Concern comes amidst findings that two-thirds expect cost of living to worsen in next few years

The latest Ipsos Political Monitor, taken 1st – 8th November 2023, explores public attitudes towards the cost of Christmas and whether the economy (and other facets of life in Britain) will improve or get worse in the next 12 months.

The cost of Christmas

Whilst most Britons are looking forward to Christmas (70%), many are concerned by how much it will cost. This year 44% say they are concerned, compared to around three in ten in December 2020 and 2014. 

Concern about the cost of Christmas rises to 58% amongst 18-34s and renters, 57% for ethnic minorities and 50% amongst the C2DE social grade. Women are more worried than men by a margin of 49% to 38%. Meanwhile, 28% overall feel stressed about preparing for Christmas, up from 21% three years ago. Women are more stressed about Christmas than men (33% to 23%) but overall 72% of Britons are not stressed – including 52% that are ‘not stressed at all’.

The economy and cost of living

55% of Britons expect the economy to worsen over the next 12 months, 19% think it will improve. This gives a net score of -36 which is very similar to last month (-34) and the start of the year (-33 in January).

When asked about difference facets of life in Britain there is a lot of pessimism around – especially on the NHS and cost of living. 66% expect the cost of living in Britain to get worse in the next few years and 64% say the same about the NHS.

Gideon Skinner, Head of Political Research at Ipsos, said:

The rate of inflation may be falling, but Britons are still feeling its impact.  Most people are still pessimistic about the cost of living over the next few years, and even Christmas does not escape.  Even though most people are still looking forward to the festivities, over 4 in 10 are worried about its cost – with young people, renters and women in particular feeling the pressure. Ahead of the Autumn Statement the Prime Minister and Chancellor have hit their pledge to halve inflation, but will know they will also need to deliver on their other targets to grow the economy and reduce people’s financial insecurities over the cost of living to change the public mood.

Technical note:

Ipsos interviewed a representative sample of 1,001 adults aged 18+ across Great Britain. Interviews were conducted by telephone between the 1st to 8th November 2023. Data are weighted to match the profile of the population. All polls are subject to a wide range of potential sources of error.