Overview
- An online Savanta survey of 2,138 UK adults (December 12–15) reports 51% are buying fewer presents this Christmas.
- Festive socialising is set to shrink, with 37% planning fewer or no guests on Christmas Day and 45% intending to stay home to save money.
- Consumers are adjusting spending habits, as 45% expect to reduce pub and restaurant visits and 55% say they will shop at cheaper supermarkets.
- The Liberal Democrats label the trend a “cost-of-giving crisis” and urge measures including a £270 cut to energy bills and a VAT reduction for hospitality.
- Labour points to Office for National Statistics data indicating typical annual pay rose from £35,965 in June 2024 to £38,404 in October 2025, with ministers highlighting a sixth interest rate cut since the election.