In this festive season, individuals are adopting a more cautious approach to their shopping, finding a balance between rising costs and the wish to celebrate. For Adina Sana, a 54-year-old retiree with four adult children still living at home, her Christmas spending habits have evolved, leading her to be more selective.

“This year, I am prioritising food preparations for our family gathering, especially for the main dinner, along with cakes and biscuits,” she shared. “Rising prices have influenced how I plan for the festivities. Now I have to make choices carefully and cut back on certain items that were previously part of the plan. I need to reduce spending on some items, but it’s still important for us to come together as a family,” she added.

Shifts in Celebration Styles

Lovyna Azzy, 29, also reflected on her Christmas spending, indicating that she plans to spend less this year due to changes brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. “Before the pandemic, my family used to host Christmas open-house every year, inviting family and friends over for food and drinks. During the pandemic, however, visits were restricted, so we stopped doing open-houses altogether,” she explained.

“Over time, we realised how much we used to spend on food, drinks, new clothes, manicures, and even getting our hair done,” she continued. “Having gotten used to simpler celebrations, my family chose not to return to hosting large gatherings. My focus is now on experiences and personal gestures this festive season. We will also be going to church for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services. Instead of buying presents, I actually make handmade crochet items for my loved ones. It feels more meaningful and personal,” she emphasized.

Intentional Spending

These narratives showcase a notable shift towards more intentional Christmas spending, with families now prioritising togetherness, meaningful experiences, and thoughtful choices over the scale of their celebrations. The Borneo Post also spoke with local young adults regarding their spending amid rising costs and expectations during this festive season.

For Abel Clay, he mentioned that his Christmas spending had increased compared to last year. “I take part in gift exchanges with family and friends, which I think may have contributed to my overall spending. The prices of goods have gone up and there are also family expectations. As such, I’m allocating a bigger budget for the gatherings. I also bought a new phone as a self-reward this Christmas. I prioritise gifts and experiences because they help create meaningful memories during events,” said the 27-year-old mechanical engineer.

Ultimately, these stories reflect a broader trend of families re-evaluating their holiday spending habits, placing greater value on shared experiences and personal connections rather than mere materialism.

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