Families to spend €1,500 on Christmas
Despite the economic recovery, most people will not spend more than they did last year.
A survey by Aviva Home Insurance has calculated the average household Christmas spend at €1,463.
Two-thirds of those surveyed do not intend spending any more money than they did in 2013.
Asked where they would cut back on, one in five (21%) said they would spend less on gifts. Almost 18% said they would consume less food and drink.
More than one in four (27%) said they would cut back on the cost of home decorations, while 23% plan to spend less on socialising and attending seasonal events, such as pantomimes.
Just under a fifth (19%) said they would spend less on Christmas Day outfits.
Aviva said they published the research so people would ensure their homes were adequately insured over Christmas.
The research revealed most money goes on gifts, with an average of €620 spent. Around €340 is set aside for food and drink and a further €228 for socialising, including Christmas parties, pantomimes, and family parties.
The average cost of decorations, Christmas crackers, carol singing donations, and clothes for Christmas Day comes in at around €210, while most households will have gifts, costing between €350 and €500 under the Christmas Tree, adding to the worry they might be burgled over the festive season.
More than a quarter (28%) said having their house robbed was the number one concern.
Cathy Summers of Aviva Home Insurance said the company did not need research to know that people worried about their homes being burgled.
The insurance company is advising householders to make sure they have adequate insurance to cover Christmas gifts. It is also advising people to ensure gifts cannot be seen through the windows and to keep them “hidden away” for as long as possible.
Garden tools and ladders should be locked away and care should be taken that all windows and doors are locked.
It advises against people using social media to announce they will be away for the holidays. It is also a good idea to give the impression someone is always at home, by leaving on a radio, television, or lights.
