The cost of Christmas has risen in price over the past 10 years, with the average cost of festive decorations and snacks up to £548 this year, new data suggests.
The Christmas Inflation Index, from personal insolvency provider Creditfix, looked at 25 items and found the traditional Christmas stocking has seen the biggest price rise.
The average cost of festive decorations and snacks such as advent calendars, cards, gift wrap, and a Christmas tree is now £130 more than it would have cost in 2012.
This is before Britons take into account the price of gifts, social events, and the full Christmas dinner shop.
While the average cost of a standard Christmas tree in 2022 is £88, it was £69 in 2012 – a jump of almost a third and 64% higher compared to 20 years ago.
Data was gathered on the average price of popular festive treats this year at popular department stores and supermarkets and then analysed using the Bank of England inflation calculator to show the difference over time.
Bauble prices have surged from an average of £7 in 2012 to almost £10 this year – a 32% increase.
And those preparing to host Christmas parties this year will also feel the sting, with the price of Bucks Fizz, mince pies, and Christmas pudding all rising by 28% in the last 10 years.
Of the items analyzed, the Christmas tree topper was the least affected by inflation. Prices for angels and stars increased by only 15% over the past five years.
A supermarket-bought chocolate advent calendar, however, is now at record costs, setting people back £7 on average.
Separate data, commissioned by Park Christmas Savings, revealed Christmas will cost families more than £900 this year.
How the average price of festive favourites has risen in the last 10 years:
1. Stockings – from £3.12 to £4.25
2. Baubles – from £7.00 to £9.30
3. Christmas garlands – from £22.62 to £29.15
4. Inflatable Christmas decorations – from £39.00 to £50
5. Gift wrapping – from £4.68 to £6.00
6. Bucks Fizz – from £3.12 to £4.00
7. Mince pies – from £1.56 to £2.00
8. Christmas pudding – from £3.12 to £4.00
9. Tree skirt – from £28.86 to £37.00
10. Christmas jumpers – from £14.82 to £19.00
Source: Skynews.com