Sajjadali Nayani ✍Friday World 26/12/2025
This year, preparations for Christmas in the United States have become significantly challenging due to rising inflation. Soaring prices have weakened people's purchasing power, leading most families to reduce spending on gifts, travel, food and beverages, and entertainment.
A major survey conducted by CBS News and YouGov between December 15-17, 2025 involved 2,267 adults. The key findings of this survey are as follows:
58% of people reported that buying essential items for the holidays has become difficult for them. Among these,
17% described it as "very difficult" and **
41% as "somewhat difficult." Only 8% of respondents found shopping easy.
→ People are most troubled by the increase in prices. 27% said prices have risen "a lot," while 44% said they have increased "somewhat." Overall, 76% of Americans believe their income is not keeping pace with the rate of inflation.
→ Lower-income families are the most affected. Among households with annual income below $50,000, 71% described shopping as "very difficult." For those earning $50,000-$100,000 -56% felt the same, and even among those earning over **$100,000**, **58%** reported similar difficulties.
→ To cut costs, people are adopting several strategies: • 42% are buying fewer gifts • 32% have reduced spending on food and beverages • 48% have cut back on travel expenses • 50% have decreased spending on entertainment and outings
→ Views on the economy remain highly pessimistic. Only **32%** described the economic situation as "positive," while **63%** called it "bad." This figure has worsened compared to July 2025. 41% of people believe the economy will deteriorate further in the coming period.
→ The job market situation is also concerning. The unemployment rate is reported at 4.6%. Only 5% rated the job market as "very good," and 29% as "somewhat good." Meanwhile, 32% called it "somewhat bad," and 20% as "very bad." This survey clearly demonstrates that inflation has become the biggest problem for American families at this time. Even during a major festival like Christmas, people are forced to cut spending out of necessity rather than enthusiasm, limiting themselves to only essential items.
Sajjadali Nayani ✍
Friday World 26/12/2025
