{"type":"document","data":{"id":"f899971b-d23f-4f6d-a420-db95041ea67b","localeString":"en-GB","publishDate":"2026-03-11T16:26:58.093+01:00","contentType":"onecms:editorialPage","hasMacro":false,"flexPageMetadata":{"afmBanner":false,"robotInstruction":{"noIndex":false,"noFollow":false},"description":"From Christmas dinner, to gifts and candles, every year we spend an incredible amount of money on Christmas. But how much exactly? And how can we keep our spending under control?"},"mainHeaderZone":{"componentType":"editorialHeader","coreHeader":{"title":"How much does Christmas cost?","body":"From turkey and pudding to presents and candles: each year we spend vast amounts of money on Christmas. But how much precisely? And how can you best keep your Christmas budget under control?"},"backLink":{"textLink":{"url":"/en/individuals/my-life/budget-tips","text":"Budget tips"}},"date":"2022-08-25","readingTime":4},"flexZone":{"flexComponents":[{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p>Research from consultancy firm Deloitte reveals that in 2018 Belgian families had an average <strong>Christmas budget of 441 euros</strong>. That is a little lower than the European average of 456 euros. As reference: outliers amongst our neighbouring countries were the United Kingdom with a budget of over 600 euros and the Netherlands with less than 400 euros.</p><p>The budget we spend on Christmas fluctuates from year to year. A great deal depends on our economic outlook. During years in which we worry about the economy, we are less inclined to open our wallets. Despite these intermittent ups and downs there is a clear long-term trend: in Belgium <strong>we are spending increasingly less on Christmas</strong>. For example, 2009 the Christmas budget was 590 euros, or 149 euros more than in 2018. </p>"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"How do we spend our Christmas budget?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p>The largest share of the Christmas budget goes on presents (194 euros), followed by food and drink (150 euros), transport (60 euros) and socializing (37 euros). (1)</p>"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"What's under the Christmas tree?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p>No idea what present to give this year? Then an ‘envelope’ is not a bad idea. Traditionally Belgians would much rather have money under the Christmas tree. 44% of men and 53% of women in Belgium say that they would prefer to receive cash for Christmas. The most popular presents after money are books and gift vouchers. Cash comes in at ‘only’ third place.</p>"}},{"componentType":"highlight","title":"Tips to keep your Christmas expenditure under control","richBody":{"value":"<ul><li>Draw up a <strong>Christmas budget</strong>, with a cost allocation for food and drink, decorations, presents (specified per person) and extras.</li><li>Looking for presents? Then you don&apos;t have to wait until December. The more haste you have, the greater the chance you will end up making impulsive purchases. You can for example get good deals on Black Friday. And why not (for next year): already during the summer sales. Doing your <strong>Christmas shopping well on time </strong>also means less busy shopping streets and less Christmas stress in December.</li><li>At many webshops you can buy in instalments. That may appear attractive, but is often actually a very expensive loan.</li><li>Do not buy a present for everyone but organise a <strong>Secret Santa</strong>. Draw lots to determine who buys for whom and set how much the present can cost on average.</li><li>Avoid the compulsory ‘I have given something to you, so you give me something’. In addition to presents for family and good friends, people sometimes give small gifts to colleagues at work, family and friends by marriage or distant friends. The problem is that receiving a gift makes you feel obliged to give one in return. Try to discuss this. Or agree to a <strong>maximum price</strong>.</li><li><strong>Charity shops and second-hand stores</strong> burst full with Christmas decorations. You can find a lot of Christmas decorations for little money. Fed up with your old Christmas decorations? Why not swap with a friend or friends? That way, you all have something new and you don&apos;t even have to go to the shops. Or take a walk in the countryside and decorate your home with twigs, pine cones and winter greenery. Perfect for filling a few old vases. Finish off with a few tea lights to create the perfect atmosphere.</li><li>Does the entire family come round to your place for Christmas dinner? Break with tradition and <strong>ask everyone to contribute to the Christmas dinner</strong>. Let grandma and grandpa take care of the dessert, brother and sister-in-law the starter, the children the snacks ....</li></ul>"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p>(1) Source:  <a href=\"https://www2.deloitte.com/be/en.html\">deloitte.com</a></p>"}}]}}}