# Average household Christmas spend set to drop but some areas of UK plan an increase - Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2020/11/26/average-household-christmas-spend-set-to-drop-but-some-areas-of-uk-plan-an-increase/ - Published: 2020-11-26T10:02:27+00:00 - Author: Melanie May **On average, UK households will be spending over £100 less on the festive season than in 2019 and 2018, but in some areas of the UK people may be able to spend more than usual, according to a survey by McCarthy & Stone.** The [UK-wide survey](https://www.mccarthyandstone.co.uk/life-and-living/lifestyle/christmas-spending-2020/) from the retirement housebuilder revealed the national average spend figure for 2020 to be £419.19. This is almost £150 less than 2018 and 2019 where the average spends were £560 and £567 respectively. ![National average spend figure for Christmas 2020 (chart).](https://wfay6x.infiniteuploads. cloud/2021/11/1.png) Image:  [Christmas Trees and Lights](https://www.christmastreesandlights.co.uk/) ## Advertisement The reduced spend was predominately attributed to the Covid-19 pandemic with nearly half (47.7%) of respondents citing the financial issues it has caused as a key factor and [McCarthy & Stone’s](https://www.mccarthyandstone.co.uk/) data showing that 20% say they will subsequently spend ‘less’ or ‘significantly less’ than last year. 4% overall intend to spend more on Christmas this year. ![Chart of Christmas consumer spending 2020.](https://wfay6x.infiniteuploads.cloud/ 2021/11/2.png) Image: Christmas Trees and Lights The South West may see the lowest spend with people here expected to spend £374.05– £45 lower than the average. However, the outlook looks brighter in some areas with the Welsh set to spend the most this year, at £460 per household – over £40 more than the average. Households in Scotland and Northern England will also spend more than average at £457 and £445 respectively. ![Which region spends the most on presents? Map of the UK.](https://wfay6x.infiniteuploads. cloud/2021/11/4.png) Image:  Christmas Trees and Lights ![Breakdown chart of differences by region and countries of planned spending on Christmas presents in 2020.](https://wfay6x.infiniteuploads.cloud/2021/11/5.png) Image:  Christmas Trees and Lights On a city-wide level, Liverpool is where the survey found the biggest festive spenders will be this year, with an average spend of £545.28, while at the opposite end of the spectrum, people in Sheffield plan to be the most frugal, spending £366.13. ![Chart showing average spend on Christmas presents 2020 per UK city.](https://wfay6x. infiniteuploads.cloud/2021/11/6.png) Image:  Christmas Trees and Lights As well as some families potentially have more to spend this Christmas, the survey also found that 10% of people intend to give back this year by doing some voluntary or charity work. A spokesperson for the company said: > “2020 has been a year unlike any other and has been a challenge for us all in > a number of ways, particularly when it comes to our finances. As such it’s not > surprising that our Christmas spending is set to drop, nor is it necessarily unexpected, > particularly when more of us are focussed on saving for 2021. > “However, while this may mean our Christmases might not be as decadent as last > year, it offers opportunities for us to find festive joy in other ways. For instance, > many of our survey respondents said that they want to spend more time with their > family and friends, or get involved in more charity or voluntary work to help > others, rather than spending money.” ![Chart showing 'how are we planning to spend our time this Christmas?'](https:// wfay6x.infiniteuploads.cloud/2021/11/3.png) Image:  [Christmas Trees and Lights](https://www.christmastreesandlights.co.uk/) * **[Charities, businesses & volunteers combine to bring Christmas to London’s vulnerable](https://fundraising.co.uk/2020/12/08/charities-businesses-volunteers-combine-bring-christmas-londons-vulnerable/)**( 8 December 2020) * **[In Kind Direct appeals for Real Christmas Must Haves](https://fundraising.co.uk/2021/11/08/in-kind-direct-appeals-for-real-christmas-must-haves/)**( 8 November 2021) * **[Aldi seeks good causes to receive surplus Christmas & New Year food](https://fundraising.co.uk/2021/11/09/aldi-seeks-good-causes-to-receive-surplus-christmas-new-year-food/)**( 9 November 2021)