Christmas under the shadow of Inflation: Americans dissatisfied with holiday costs

Pars Today – The results of a new poll show that as prices for goods and services in the United States have risen compared with last year, Americans have cut back on spending for gifts, entertainment, and travel during this year’s Christmas holidays.

According to the news website United Press International, citing a new poll by CBS News and YouGov, Americans are unhappy with the cost of the Christmas holidays, with most saying their purchasing power has weakened.

As reported by Pars Today, the survey was conducted among 2,267 American adults. Fifty-eight percent of respondents said buying items needed for the holidays is difficult for them: 17 percent described it as “very difficult,” and 41 percent as “somewhat difficult.” Only 8 percent said shopping was easy. When asked about prices, 27 percent said they have “increased a lot,” while 44 percent said they have “increased somewhat.”

According to the poll, lower-income households are under the greatest pressure. Seventy-one percent of families earning less than $50,000 a year said buying goods was “very difficult.” The same was true for 56 percent of families earning between $50,000 and $100,000, and even 58 percent of those earning more than $100,000 annually.

Participants also said they have reduced their spending: 42 percent are buying fewer gifts, 32 percent have cut back on food and drinks, 48 percent have reduced travel expenses, and 50 percent have spent less on entertainment.

In their overall assessment of the economy, 32 percent described conditions as “good,” while 63 percent said they are “bad.” This represents a decline from a July poll, when 39 percent viewed the economy positively. In addition, 41 percent believe the U.S. economy has worsened in 2025.

The report notes that inflation remains the top concern for Americans, with 76 percent saying their income has not kept pace with rising prices.

Americans also hold a negative view of the job market. Only 5 percent rated labor market conditions as “very good” and 29 percent as “fairly good,” while 32 percent described them as “fairly bad” and 20 percent as “very bad.” The U.S. unemployment rate was reported at 4.6 percent. The survey was conducted between December 15 and 17 and included 16 questions focused on the holidays and the economy.