Can people afford Christmas?

Christmas 2024 is fast approaching, and the holidays are not getting any cheaper for any of us. 

Kids are no longer satisfied with socks and a new jumper and haven’t been for a long time now. It’s all PS5’s, branded clothes, and expensive toys from Smyths.  

The Liberty spoke to some young people about how Christmas compares now to when they were younger. 

“I always remember getting loads of little presents, but back then, stuff was cheaper compared to now. Kids are only getting a couple of presents because everything is so expensive now,” said Megan Martin, a 20-year-old college student. 

It’s harder to buy “small” presents, as you don’t often get much for under €20 or €30. Even though we all know there is more to Christmas than giving gifts, it is a nice part of the magic seeing the smile on someone’s face as they open their presents. 

Gathering for Christmas Day dinner is an important part of many people’s Christmas traditions, and it can also be an expensive part of the holiday.

“This year, I have started using money from the Deposit Return Scheme and have been putting those vouchers onto an Aldi card, which I will use to do my Christmas shopping. It helps to take that burden off of gathering money a few weeks before Christmas to do the shopping,” said Thomas Kieran. 

Using ideas such as this can really help reduce the cost that comes with the holidays and free up cash for some other things such as unexpected bills that may pop up, something that always seem to happen this time of year. 

There is also the increased cost of electricity at this time of year. Between the extra cost of using electricity to light up your tree and various Christmas decorations, there is also the added cost of heating this time of year. Although prices have levelled and there is State support, those bills are higher than years ago. 

Many young Irish people are leaving for a better life and may choose to travel home for the holidays. For those planning to travel home for Christmas or go on holiday, transportation costs, whether by car, train, or plane, will also have to be taken into consideration. Fuel prices may be a bit more stable in 2024 compared to previous years, but they remain a factor for people planning to visit family or take vacations during the festive period. 

So, while many in Ireland will still be able to afford Christmas in 2024, it’s likely that the economic pressures of the past few years will lead to more limited spending. Families might find themselves prioritizing essentials and looking for ways to make their holiday celebrations more affordable without sacrificing the joy that comes with this time of year.  

The holidays are a great time of year but can be filled with joy or sadness for some. Regardless, people should not have to find themselves in financial difficulty for one day of the year.