A period which rekindles tensions. Organizing the meal, buying gifts, reserving train tickets… A few weeks before Christmas, one after another of expenses can awaken conflicts linked to finances in certain households. Money, it must be recognized, remains a sensitive area as the figures confirm.
According to an Ipsos study for the XTB broker, 13% of couples still have financial disagreements. The proportion reaches 17% among couples with children and those with modest incomes. And which climbs up to 25% among 18-34 year olds. If these tensions can be passed over in silence for the rest of the year, Christmas and its share of expenses can blow up the embers.
This is all the more true this year, since the overall budget of the French is decreasing. On average, including gifts and meals, they plan to spend 491 euros, or 6 euros less than last yearaccording to a Cofidis study published last November.
Christmas: the time to decide between financial security and pleasure
According to the Ipsos study, 47% of couples favor their financial securityeven if it means capping spending. But this caution can clash with the Christmas spirit, especially if the two partners are not on the same wavelength. Communication, which is a central issue in a relationship, becomes even more so during this period.
What is the budget for gifts? Do you have to go beyond it to have fun? How generous should you be with children and family? These budgetary arbitrations can become real sources of tension when decisions are not shared.
Although the study shows that 66% of French people say they talk about money with their spousethe final arbitration remains individual. In detail, we learn that almost one in two French people in couples make decisions related to their savings or investments alone, compared to 38% who decide with their partner.
In one in four couplesthere is no common financial product. This individualized functioning can go unnoticed on a daily basis, but spending periods, such as Christmas, can reveal discrepancies in functioning.
More than 4 in 10 French people do not have enough to finance Christmas
This year, more than 4 out of 10 French people do not have the sufficient budget to finance their Christmas gifts, according to a survey carried out by the Flashs institute for the broker Ymanci. Nearly 41% of the 2,000 people surveyed will turn to “alternative solutions» to pay for their purchases. In detail, 44% will draw on their savings and 44% will turn to payments in installments without fees.
“This is a sad reality, but unfortunately not surprising given the persistent purchasing power difficulties and the fact that 22% of French people find themselves uncovered every month according to a CSA survey from January 2025», Recalls the institute in its press release.
So, when one partner can finance their gifts without difficulty and the other has to draw on their savings or resort to split payments, frustrations can quickly arise. Taking advantage of this period to discuss your priorities and set a common budget allows you to limit tensions and better enjoy the holidays.
