How Much Should You Spend on Christmas Dinner

With Christmas just around the corner, families across Australia are gearing up for the most magical (and delicious) time of the year. From planning festive menus to decorating tables with a sprinkle of holiday cheer, the countdown is on to create a Christmas Day to remember.

However, with the cost of groceries rising, many parents are wondering: how much should we budget for our Christmas feast? Thanks to HelloFresh's Aussie Christmas Day Food Spending Report 2024, we now have a clearer picture of what families are planning to spend – and how they're making the most of their festive spreads.

How Much Should You Spend on Christmas Dinner?

Big Spenders vs. Budget-Conscious Families

According to the report, younger families (aged 18–34) are leading the charge in festive food spending, with over 38% planning to splurge between $100 and $300 on Christmas meals. For these families, creating a feast filled with memories takes priority over pinching pennies.

On the flip side, older Australians (aged 55–75) are embracing a more budget-friendly approach, with 30% planning to spend less than $100. For many grandparents, a heartfelt, simpler celebration with loved ones means just as much as an extravagant spread.

And when it comes to family traditions, location matters! Queensland families are meticulous planners, with 43% earmarking $100–$300 for their festive feast. Meanwhile, families in the Northern Territory are going all out – over half of respondents plan to spend $500 or more, making their holiday meals a showstopper.

What's on the Table This Year?

Despite tight budgets, families are prioritising food that brings everyone together. Christmas ham remains the centrepiece for 39% of households, while seafood and side dishes are a close second. In the Northern Territory and ACT, families love a mix of seafood, ham, and festive drinks, while in New South Wales and Victoria, side dishes and desserts are stealing the show. For families in Tasmania, Christmas is all about indulgent sweet treats – because what's Christmas without dessert?

Smart Ways Families Are Adjusting

The rising cost of living has many parents rethinking their Christmas Day plans. Nearly half of Australian households are adjusting their budgets to cope with higher grocery prices, with some creative strategies coming into play:

• Smaller celebrations: 26% of families are opting for more intimate gatherings.
• Simpler menus: 17% are scaling back to focus on crowd-pleasers.
• Affordable swaps: 23% are choosing budget-friendly brands while keeping meals tasty.

Hannah Gilbert, Senior Director of Product Development at HelloFresh Group ANZ, shared her thoughts on the findings, saying, "This Christmas, Aussie families are showing us all how to celebrate smart. Even with rising costs, it's heartwarming to see that food remains a central part of holiday traditions."

Make Your Christmas Day Meal Special

Whether you're going all out or keeping it simple, Christmas is about creating memories with the people you love most. So, how will your family make this year's feast one to remember?

For more festive tips and insights, download the full report.

Happy holidays!

More Food For Thought

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UNICEF's Paddington's Postcards: The Ultimate Feel-Good Gift For Kids This Christmas
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