The wallet of Poles at Christmas

The holiday season is not only a time of tradition and relaxation, but  an important element is also the planning  of household budgets. As shown by the latest report ” The Christmas wallet of Poles 2024″, a statistical Pole intends to spend an average of PLN 1576 (EUR 370) at Christmas. This is 7.7 per cent more than last year, when the average was PLN 1490 (EUR 350).

Despite rising  costs, of food, Poles remain faithful to the tradition of holidays spent at the family table. Food spending in 2024 will consume more than 40 percent of all funds allocated for Christmas. For many, Christmas cannot take place without a richly set table, even if it means more expenses than the year before.

The approach to Christmas decorations is also unchange. As many as 65 percent of respondents declare that they cannot imagine Christmas without a Christmas tree and shining decorations, even if they are the same baubles and chains as last year. The decorations will consume about 18 percent of the Christmas budget.

Gifts? More than a year ago

Poles spend more and more on gifts. In 2024, spending on them will account for over 43 percent of the budget. Last year, an average of PLN 565 (EUR 133) was spent on gifts, and this year we are planning PLN 681 (EUR 160), which means an increase of about 20 percent. The “classics” remain the most popular: books, cosmetics, children’s toys and clothes.

However, it is clear that more and more Poles are focusing on practicality. There is a growing interest in gift cards and vouchers for services such as massages, restaurant dinners or personal development courses. For many people, such a gift is a guarantee that the recipient will definitely use the gift.

Christmas shopping: a decrease in online activity

74.6 percent of respondents choose stationary shopping, which means an increase of 4.2 percent compared to the previous year. 21.4 percent plan to shop partially online and offline (25.9 percent in 2023), and only 1.4 percent focus their shopping on online stores (down from 3 percent in 2023).

The increase in the popularity of stationary shopping is due to the possibility of comparing prices, taking advantage of promotions and assessing the quality of products. For many people, a visit to shopping mall is also part of the Christmas atmosphere.

Travel at Christmas travel: mountains and trips abroad

Christmas is also a great opportunity to travel, both domestic and foreign. Research shows that 20 percent of Poles plan to go on a trip during Christmas. Christmas is usually spent  with the family, but more and more often a trip to the mountains is also also chosen. Recreation in the mountains, which attract lovers of  winter activities  and traditional holidays in winter scenery are gaining in popularity.. Warm foreign destinations are also popular, where you can spend the Christmas period in a more exotic atmosphere.

According to Ryanair’s data, in the 2024/2025 holiday season, the most popular destinations among Polish passengers are Italy, Spain and France. Italy accounts for 37% of all bookings, Spain and the Canary Islands 30 percent and France 9 percent.

Corporate expenses for Christmas: bonuses, Christmas Eve and CSR

Christmas is not only a time of spending for households, but also for companies. More and more companies decide to organize Christmas Eve festivities for their employees, which are becoming an important element of team building . Company dinners in restaurants or catering in offices allow employees to feel the atmosphere of Christmas and at the same time strengthen the sense of belonging to the organization.

Employers are also eager to reach for Christmas vouchers and financial bonuses. According to analyses, as many as 51 percent of companies in Poland plan to grant employees additional funds for Christmas in 2024. The growth of this trend shows that companies appreciate the contribution of their employees and want to support them during a period of increased expenses.

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is also playing an increasingly important role. Companies are involved in charity campaigns, support local initiatives and donate to those most in need. During the holiday season, collections for orphanages, animal shelters and senior citizens have become popular.

The Christmas period is a reflection of the economic condition and changes in the consumer behaviour of Poles. Growing expenses, both for gifts and for the organization of  the Christmas festivities, show that despite inflation and economic difficulties, Poles still treat this  as a very important family time . The increase in spending on gifts or decorations indicates that Christmas remains an area where consumption is more resistant to economic fluctuations than at other times of the year.

Sources:

• The Polish Bank Association, report „Świąteczny portfel Polaków 2024”
• The Randstad research Institute, report „Plany Pracodawców
• Twoja Turystyka, Ryanair: Poles will fly to Italy, Spain and France for Christmas.