More than one in four British adults will struggle to
afford Christmas
New YouGov polling by StepChange Debt Charity reveals more than
one in four British adults (27%), equivalent to around 14.3
million people, will struggle to afford Christmas this year,
which rises to almost one in three (31%) among parents with
children at home.
With the cost of living still stubbornly high and millions
struggling to make ends meet, the charity is urging consumers to
tread carefully with borrowing and has offered tips to those
worried about their finances this Christmas (see notes to
eds).
In total, one in twelve (8%), around 4 million British adults,
will struggle to afford Christmas and will be relying on credit
to fund their festive spending. Of those using credit:
- Six in ten (60%) say their borrowing will be higher than last
year.
- Almost nine in ten (87%) say they are borrowing to afford
Christmas due to the higher cost of living.
- More than two in five (43%) say it will take them more than 6
months to repay the credit they use this Christmas Almost one in
five of those (17%) say it'll take more than a year.
When it comes to saving habits in the lead up to the festive
season, almost one in four (23%) people who celebrate Christmas
cannot afford to set money aside for it, while over one in three
(36%) people have been setting money aside throughout the year
for Christmas.
StepChange Debt Charity says Christmas can always be a
pressurised time for people's finances, and the charity tends to
see a spike in people in need of debt advice in January.
Vikki Brownridge, CEO at StepChange Debt Charity,
said:
“Christmas is a time for joy and togetherness, but we understand
it can also bring financial pressures, especially for those
already struggling with debt or tight budgets. The desire to make
the festive season special through gifts and spending is natural,
yet relying on credit now can often lead to stress and hardship
in the new year.
“This year, just like the last few years, many households have
felt the strain of persistent high living costs and energy bills,
leaving less room in the budget for Christmas. If you're
considering using credit cards, Buy Now, Pay Later, or other
borrowing options, take a moment to think about whether
repayments will still be manageable in January and beyond. Your
loved ones value your presence far more than presents that put
you under financial strain.
“If you're worried about debt, whether now or after Christmas,
don't wait to seek support. Free, confidential advice is
available from charities like StepChange, helping you plan for a
financially healthier start to 2026.”
Notes to editors
StepChange has shared its top five tips for dealing with debt or
money worries at Christmas:
Check your budget
Know what
you can really afford before you start spending. A clear
budget = less stress. (StepChange has a handy guide for
getting started with your budget.)
Shop smart
Grab deals, but
stick to your list—don't let offers tempt you into buying extras
you don't need.
Gift with care
Set spending
limits or try Secret Santa. Talking openly with friends and
family can ease the pressure for everyone.
Plan ahead
Start saving for
Christmas 2026 in January as even small amounts add up and make
next year easier.
Think before you
borrow
Credit cards and Buy Now, Pay
Later can lead to a debt hangover. If repayments will be tough,
skip the credit and protect your peace of mind.
Free, impartial, and confidential debt advice is
available at stepchange.org
- All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov
Plc. Total sample size was 2070 adults. Fieldwork was
undertaken between 17th - 18th November 2025. The survey
was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are
representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).
- Population estimates for GB adults are conducted and
calculated by StepChange, based on ONS data.
