BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – It may still be Halloween night, but you can practically hear the Christmas music, with many stores already stocked up on holiday goods. This year, holiday shopping prices might be just as scary as the costumes you see tonight.
The numbers show a pricey holiday season ahead. Visa projects that Americans will spend an average of $736 on holiday gifts alone this year, not including decorations or food. That is a roughly 10% rise from the $669 reported in 2024.
But is that because of prices, or the desire to make the holidays full of cheer?
Even with Halloween in full swing, the ghost of Christmas future looms. As Vermonters prepare for the upcoming holidays, money is top of mind.
“I think grocery prices have certainly elevated in the last few months. There is a number of people who come to Thanksgiving dinner, so to feed everybody what they want to eat, I expect over $100, easy,” said Donna from St. Albans.
“It is tough because everything is more expensive this year. But, you know, you save during the year,” said Lisa Stewart from Rutland.
Country Christmas Loft Co-Owner Steve Mayfield says they have seen a steady flow of shoppers so far and expect many more in the coming weeks. But there is a change in spending habits.
“We are doing more online now than we have ever seen in the past… The younger crowd shops with their thumb and not with their feet,” said Mayfield.
The Country Christmas Loft’s owners say that because they are a year-round Christmas store, they bought most of this stuff in January before tariffs became a big topic.
They also say that they are working with suppliers to keep prices low for next year. However, some of the customers there said there is no price for celebrating the season.
“We try and keep the prices low anyway, but it is not the price, it is the sentiment,” said Mayfield.
“For Christmas, you have to do it for children especially,” said Stewart.
Some opt for more intimate and less costly festivities.
“We do try to do a lot of things at home and, you know, the baking of the cookies and the gingerbreads,” said Shannon Lomeyier from Minnesota.
Whether splurging or saving, these shoppers say they are not sacrificing their holiday celebrations.
“Christmas is my favorite time of year. I look forward to it all year long,” said Stewart.
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