Italians spent some 22.8 billion
euros on Christmas, some three billion or almost 15% more than
last year, and now some 80% are recycling festive food while
almost one in two will be re-gifting unwanted presents, consumer
groups said Tuesday.
Some 7.5 Italians didn't give any presents at all, Codacons
said, more inspired by the Grinch than by Father Christmas.
Median household spending was 884 euros against 770 euros last
year, said the consumer group.
Presents spending was up almost 20% at eight billion euros,
travel cost 11.5 billion, 14% up, and dinners out cost 400
million, 14% up.
"Christmas spending this year was more affected by the cost of
living and price rises in many sectors than by a higher
propensity towards consumption or an increase in income and
wealth," said Codacons chief Carlo Rienzi.
After the COVID pandemic, this year there was a further increase
in large family sit-down meals whether at home or at the
restaurant, he said.
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