Italians spent some 22.8 billioneuros on Christmas, some three billion or almost 15% more thanlast year, and now some 80% are recycling festive food whilealmost one in two will be re-gifting unwanted presents, consumergroups said Tuesday.
Some 7.5 Italians didn't give any presents at all, Codaconssaid, more inspired by the Grinch than by Father Christmas.
Median household spending was 884 euros against 770 euros lastyear, 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 400million, 14% up.
"Christmas spending this year was more affected by the cost ofliving and price rises in many sectors than by a higherpropensity towards consumption or an increase in income andwealth," said Codacons chief Carlo Rienzi.
After the COVID pandemic, this year there was a further increasein large family sit-down meals whether at home or at therestaurant, he said.
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