Christmas 2024 promises to be as expensive as never before. From home decoration to holiday dining, via gifts, transportation, travel insurance, hotels, skypasses, and even loans to finance travel, the costs of fully experiencing the Christmas atmosphere are rising sharply. According to a joint report by Facile.it and Consumerism, some spending items have risen by up to 300%. Among the most expensive cities are Rome, Florence and Venice, popular destinations during the Christmas season but increasingly prohibitive for tourists, both Italian and foreign. Despite the price increases, Christmas gifts remain a priority for many. A survey commissioned by Facile.it from research institute Emg Different reveals that Italians will spend a total of nearly 11 billion euros on Christmas gifts, with a per capita average of 256 euros. However, there is no shortage of signs of greater economic prudence. More than six million Italians said they will spend less this year than in 2023. Among them, 47% (about 2.9 million people) explained that the choice was due to the general rise in expenses, while 40% are in a period of economic hardship and prefer to reduce costs. The combination of inflation and economic hardship is prompting many households to review their priorities. There are increasing voices of those who prefer to cut back on the superfluous in order to devote resources to other needs, such as bills and high fuel prices, which continue to weigh on household budgets. However, despite the challenges, the Christmas spirit remains strong. The hope is that even with fewer lights and packages under the tree, the holidays can continue to be a time of sharing and joy for all.