Winnipeg 
A new national survey suggests that Canadians are entering the 2025 holiday season with cautious spending plans as inflation and everyday expenses continue to strain household budgets.
The 2025 Holiday Spending Survey, released by Money Mart, shows widespread concern about rising costs despite strong self-reported confidence in budgeting.
According to the findings, 78% of Canadians say inflation will affect their holiday spending. Thirty-seven per cent expect to spend less than in previous years, with most of those reducing gift purchases. Among respondents planning cutbacks, 80% will scale back on gifts, 56% on retail shopping, 48% on dining out, and 45% on entertainment.
Financial pressures extend beyond the holiday season. Forty-three per cent of Canadians report concern about managing holiday expenses alongside daily costs. While 81% feel confident in their ability to budget for the season, 28% say they would struggle to cover unexpected expenses such as vehicle or household repairs.
Younger Canadians report higher levels of concern. Fifty-three per cent of Gen Z and 48% of Millennials are worried about balancing holiday spending with regular expenses, compared with 34% of Boomers.
The results suggest Canadians are approaching the holiday period with caution, adjusting spending habits while attempting to maintain traditional celebrations.
