Holiday spending projections and budgeting strategies

As the holiday season approaches, consumer spending trends and financial planning strategies are becoming central focuses for households. In Canada, the Retail Council of Canada’s 9th annual RCC × Leger Holiday Shopping Survey indicates that the average surveyed family plans to spend $911 this season, a decrease from the $975 spent in 2025. Regional spending varies significantly, with Alberta families projecting the highest expenditure at $1,184, while Quebec families plan to spend the least at $644.

In the United States, the National Retail Federation reported that holiday-related purchases exceeded $1 trillion in 2025. To manage rising costs, financial experts recommend conducting a quick review of recent spending, identifying recurring subscriptions, and setting a total household budget before the shopping rush begins. Effective strategies include creating detailed lists for gifts, travel, and hosting, as well as assigning specific per-person gift budgets to prevent impulsive spending during sales events like Black Friday.