Christmas comes early! Families are shopping earlier to spread the cost of gifts, with candle and pottery sets among popular gifts – with an emphasis on “style over substance” as Brits strive to create Insta-worthy “chic-mas.” “create scenes in their homes

Families across the UK are starting theirs Christmas Start shopping in November to spread the cost of the expensive holiday season.

As the cost of living crisis drags on into its third year, more people are expected to buy fewer and cheaper gifts, the study says John Lewis Festive Tradition Tracker report analyzing sales and YouGov surveys.

Homemade gifts will increase, and sales of candle and pottery sets are increasing rapidly. while around 40 percent of people re-gift gifts and are not ashamed of it.

Amid the results, the report found Christmas is no longer considered a 12-day period for most, but rather the celebrations span 45 days.

Planning for Christmas begins in November for a fifth of people, especially women, who are either excited about shopping or hoping to score a bargain.

Christmas is no longer considered a 12-day period for most Brits, with celebrations instead spanning 45 days, a new survey has found (stock image)

Consumers are also buying more unusual baubles like oat milk cartons as demand for this type of decoration increased 43 percent compared to last year (stock image).

THE GIFTS

As the cost of living crisis stretches into its third year, more Brits are expected to buy fewer, cheaper gifts.

Homemade gifts are expected to become increasingly popular.One of the biggest trends for 2023. After the sale, there was an increasing demand for candle and soap making kits as well as pottery kits for the home.

Around 44 percent of those under 35 said they would make or bake gifts rather than buy them this year. Others may choose to use ethical brands.

As a further cost-saving measure, around 40 percent expect to re-gift gifts this year, and everyone doesn’t feel guilty about passing on their unwanted gifts.

The average person is expected to start their Christmas shopping on November 10, which John Lewis says is the biggest day for decoration sales.

More people are also returning to in-person shopping, a 13 percent increase compared to previous years when high streets were hit by the pandemic.

There will also be fewer Christmas cards thrown through the door this year as the cost of stamps resulted in a third of people sending fewer items.

Homemade gifts are expected to become “one of the biggest trends for 2023” after sales showed increasing demand for candle, soap and pottery sets

As the cost of living crisis stretches into its third year, more Brits are expected to buy fewer, cheaper gifts

TREES

For a third of families, the Christmas tree is no longer enough and they decide to place two fir trees decorated with balls and bright lights throughout the house.

The idea is that the second decorated tree will bring a little more festive cheer into the house and brighten up an otherwise dreary office room or hallway.

Four out of ten families with children choose the display tree

The retailer estimates tree sales will peak between December 1st and 5th.

People remain divided over whether artificial trees are better for the environment: 35 percent support artificial trees, while 33 percent believe real trees are more sustainable.

The majority of Brits will use artificial trees, with 11 percent having both.

A small proportion (seven percent) of eager Brits will put up their tree in November, while the majority will put it up in the first weekend of December.

Kathleen Mitchell, commercial director at John Lewis, said: “While some traditions have stood the test of time, others are changing rapidly and we are seeing customers spreading both the excitement and the expense.”

“Immediately after the summer holidays, we even saw an increase in Christmas tree hunting.” After the initial excitement, however, most people start shopping seriously from the beginning of November.”

EAT

Food remains the most important part of Christmas for the majority of people, and many expect to spend more this year.

Because there are so many different treats, 40 percent opt ​​for a “pudding break” between the main meal and dessert.

Generation Z is more likely to avoid a traditional roast turkey, with a tenth opting for a takeaway meal on Christmas Day, while a fifth celebrate a meatless feast.

Food is again the focus for most people this year: 23 percent assume that they will spend more on their grocery shopping

Waitrose is expecting its biggest sales of vegetarian and vegan products ever, with the range up 48 per cent compared to previous years.

The supermarket has also seen an increase in the number of people opting for frozen foods to spread the cost.

“When household budgets are stretched, we see people planning further in advance for happy times like Christmas.” “Searches on our website for Christmas products have increased steadily since the end of August compared to last year,” said a Waitrose representative. Expert.

“Our chefs, product developers and suppliers have created over 140 new products for this Christmas, including the largest frozen Christmas range we have developed in several years.”

“This includes new frozen vegetable side dishes and frozen party foods that went on sale in September to give customers the opportunity to afford really great, ethical produce by spreading the cost.”

DECORATIONS

This year, many Brits are aiming to create a “chic-mas” scene worthy of flaunting on Instagram and TikTok, choosing more subtle decorations with less flashy lights.

For a third of families, the Christmas tree is no longer enough and they decide to place two fir trees decorated with balls and bright lights throughout the house.

The department store said costs have risen 96 percent, but smart families are keeping costs down by using energy-efficient light bulbs.

For a third of families, the Christmas tree is no longer enough and they decide to place two fir trees decorated with balls and bright lights throughout the house.

FESTIVE OUTFITS

Generation Z and Millennials are also forgoing their best Christmas outfits: 34 percent are dressing up. A third of 18 to 24 year olds said they wanted to spend the whole day in their pajamas.

Even the popularity of Christmas Day is declining. Less than half of Brits said it was their favorite day of the season, while 25 percent preferred Christmas Eve and 15 percent preferred Boxing Day.

However, one in four people plan to purchase festive clothing to shine in the brightest and boldest colors throughout the holiday season.