Why cancelling Chrissie with the family was the best choice I ever made

As a self-serving Millennial Christmas is just the last straw at the end of a long year. It’s too expensive, and it’s just too stressful. So I’ve cancelled it and you should too. Here’s why.

I’m over it. Truly. As a self-serving Millennial Christmas is just the last straw at the end of a long year. It’s too expensive, and it’s just too stressful. So I’ve cancelled it and I’m heading overseas.

I have friends that have pushed themselves to the absolute financial limit spending on flights and presents. A bottle of wine with a nice vintage for the father-in-law? In the pile. Flights interstate? It’s just expected.

According to a YouGov survey released today more than one third of Aussies have reported that their finances have gotten worse this year (37 per cent), versus the smaller minority that claim they’re better off (21 per cent).

The survey paints a pretty bleak outlook of Christmas this year thanks to cost of living issues.

Thirty-eight per cent of Australians said they will spend less on Christmas than last year, a similar proportion (37 per cent) will spend the same and only 15 per cent plan to splurge this festive season. And you guessed it, this Millennial is splurging all the way to the airport – but hear me out. My overseas trip is going to be less expensive than flying interstate to visit friends and family, stay at a hotel and buy presents – it boggles the mind, but it’s true.

My wife and I are off to Fiji’s stunning Coral Coast. Blue waters, snorkelling, a laid back attitude. To head away between December 25 and January 1 we’re looking at around $3000, including spending money. We sensibly copped Jetstar sale flights and a package deal for an all inclusive resort (sadly no beer; the cost of living line has to be drawn somewhere).

Throwback to the time we ditched Easter too and went to the Philippines.

To do a similar trip at home over this period, we’re looking at upwards of $5000. Hotels are upwards of $400 a night on the Gold Coast where our friends and family are, flights on Christmas Day and returning New Year’s Day are around $300 – but a day either side you’re looking at $450. Then throw all the booze and pressies on top and your credit card will have a hangover too come January 1.

It’s not all bad as a Millennial though. According to that same survey the cost of living crisis has had a worse effect on the Baby Boomers – probably saving their pennies for another house or something – whose financial situation has become worse since last Christmas. Forty-five per cent claim they’re cutting back on Christmas spending this year. Kids, don’t expect much under the tree from grandma and grandpa.

The Zoomers have a foot in both camps, with a third saying they’re better off this year but the same proportion (32 per cent) saying they’re worse off. Despite the divide, they are likely to exercise caution with two in five planning to spend less than last holiday.

Pressies are still on the cards, but the Baby Boomers are cutting back this year.

In all, Aussies seem to be feeling the financial pressure, with 54 per cent agreeing with the statement, ‘The cost of Christmas makes it all too stressful’. I have to agree – and that’s why I’m off on holiday people, and next year take a leaf out of my book and ditch the family for a sun lounge. Bula. (That’s Fijian for ‘good health’ and ‘life’).

Originally published as Why cancelling Chrissie with the family was the best choice I ever made