27% of Britons ‘comfortable’ asking for contributions to cost of Christmas meal

More than one in four Britons would ask Christmas Day guests to contribute to the cost of the festive meal, a survey suggests.

Some 27% agreed they would feel comfortable asking their guests to make a financial contribution to the dinner, according to the poll for NatWest.

It found that £17 per head is the average going rate that Britons expect to charge friends and family for Christmas dinner this year, although this rises to £19.80 in London and as much as £27 in Scotland.

Some 38% of Britons are opting for potluck-style Christmas dinners, with 57% of this group saying they created a more communal and fun atmosphere.

More than half (53%) also said that it reduced the overall spending on the Christmas meal by having others bring a dish.

Meanwhile, 30% will be or have already bought second-hand gifts on re-sale platforms, and 48% have bought gifts early or during sales.

A quarter of respondents said they would consider re-gifting items they found to be unsuitable.

A quarter (25%) have stopped gifting extended family members, 19% have cut back on festive outings and 12% are limiting other holiday travel.

No longer confined to office parties, Secret Santa has become a practical choice for families and friends, embraced by over a third (36%) of those polled, who set an average gift budget of £31.

Other than Secret Santa, the survey suggests £37.60 is the average amount to be spent on another person, rising to £39 in London and £43 in Northern Ireland.

NatWest urged people to have “honest conversations” about their finances to help manage expectations this festive season.

A spokeswoman said: “It’s brilliant to see families coming together and finding clever ways to keep the festive season affordable.

“We encourage everyone to talk openly about spending and to plan ahead – whether it’s using our Budget Calculator, or perhaps starting a ‘Christmas fund’ that little bit earlier to spread the costs.

“After all, Christmas is about connection and togetherness, not how much you spend.”

3Gem surveyed 2,000 Britons in December.

Published: 13/12/2024 by Radio NewsHub