Holiday Spending Under Pressure: 78% of Americans Expect Higher Prices to Impact Seasonal Budgets — UAB Omnisend

Event summary

50% of Americans say rising grocery costs make holiday hosting more stressful.
78% expect higher prices to affect their holiday spending decisions.
Americans plan to spend an average of $950 this holiday season, totaling an estimated $256.3 billion nationwide.
44% expect to carry post-holiday debt, down from 47% last year.
39% say they will use or consider using Buy Now, Pay Later services, down from 45% in 2025.

The big picture

The survey highlights the ongoing impact of elevated living costs on consumer behavior, particularly during the holiday season. As Americans seek to preserve traditions, they are becoming more deliberate in their spending, relying less on debt and more on strategic budgeting. This shift underscores a broader trend of financial prudence in the face of sustained inflation.

What we're watching

Cost Management: How consumers will balance the need to maintain holiday traditions with rising costs.
Debt Trends: Whether the decline in holiday debt expectations signals a broader shift in consumer financial behavior.
Retail Strategies: The pace at which retailers adapt to more budget-conscious holiday shoppers.