WITH THE UFINANCIAL TEAM<\/p>\n
As the festive season approaches, Australians are gearing up for Christmas with a blend of enthusiasm and financial caution.<\/p>\n
Recent statistics shed light on spending habits, especially in the context of mortgage repayments and aspirations like saving for a first home or investing.<\/p>\n
Christmas spending trends in 2025<\/strong><\/p>\n Australians are projected to spend approximately $1,479 each on presents, food, alcohol, dining out and travel this Christmas season.<\/p>\n Specifically, shoppers are forecasted to allocate $11.8 billion on gifts, marking a $1.6 billion increase from the previous year.<\/p>\n This uptick indicates a robust festive spirit, with 76 per cent of consumers planning to spend the same or more than last year, averaging $660 on gifts alone.<\/p>\n Generational spending patterns<\/strong><\/p>\n Diving deeper, Gen X consumers anticipate the highest expenditure on Christmas gifts, averaging around $603.<\/p>\n This demographic’s spending behaviour reflects their financial stability and established family responsibilities.<\/p>\n Economic factors influencing spending<\/strong><\/p>\n The Reserve Bank of Australia’s recent interest rate hikes have led to increased mortgage repayments, affecting 30 per cent of households with mortgages.<\/p>\n Consequently, many Australians are adopting cost-saving measures this Christmas, such as setting gift-giving limits (18 per cent), forgoing trips (13 per cent), starting side hustles (8 per cent), and making homemade gifts (8 per cent).<\/p>\n