Spaniards are spending more money on shopping, meals, the Christmas lottery and activities during the coming Christmas period than last year. There is an increase of 1.3%, according to a survey by Spanish consumer organisation OCU.
Spaniards will spend around €745 on average this Christmas. That is €10 more than last year, according to a survey conducted in November by the Organisation of Consumers and Users (OCU).
This year spending on dinners and meals with family, friends and colleagues will rise from €138 in 2022 to €150. Spending on trips and holidays is also higher this year (€112 compared to €101 last year). Christmas lottery expenses (€71) and gifts (€396) remain unchanged.
OCU’s survey shows that the internet remains the most important purchase channel for 36% of respondents. 30% of respondents prefer to buy in physical shops. The rest opt for a combination of online and physical shopping.
More money spent on outings
Spaniards are also spending more money on typical Christmas outings. 68% of those surveyed are going to visit a Christmas market (62% last year). 60% plan to watch the Epiphany parade (56% in 2022). And 50% say they will have lunch or dinner with colleagues (44% last year). An overwhelming majority of respondents, 86%, plan to take part in dinners and meals with non-cohabitating family members.
Gifts big expense
More than half of the Christmas budget will be spent on gifts: for children, for adults, for Christmas or Epiphany. On average, respondents expect to spend €396 on gifts alone (just over €200 on gifts for children). The survey shows that people often overspend on Christmas shopping. For instance, 55% of consumers think they will spend more than expected and 26% admit they would rather give their gifts in January to take advantage of possible discounts.
