Romanians enter the holiday season with financial caution. In the context of economic pressures, uncertainties and the increased need for stability, people are turning to family meals and have moderate expectations for the future.
A recent Avangarde survey, carried out on a sample of 900 respondents, which also offers comparisons with the previous year, including urban-rural differences, reveals an economic prudence among the population, on the eve of the holidays.
Most respondents estimated they would spend the same or less than last year for the holidays. Almost half indicated that their incomes have decreased compared to 2024. Christmas and New Year’s are overwhelmingly spent at home, both in urban and rural areas, and expectations for 2026 are rather pessimistic.
The majority of respondents stated that they will spend the same or less than last year, as follows: the same -25%, less -27%, much less – 30%, more -16%, much more – 5%, according to the results of the Avangarde survey.
Romanians from urban areas are a bit more willing to spend more than those from rural areas.
Strictly Christmas expenses
If we refer strictly to Christmas, the survey showed that Romanians will spend:
- Same as last year: 46%
- Less: 23%
- More: 22%
- Don’t know/don’t answer: 9%
- In urban areas, the percentage of those who spend more is slightly higher.
Revenue evolution in 2025 (vs. 2024)
In this chapter, the general perception is negative:
- Lower income: 45–50%
- Same: 33%
- Older: 20%
- Rural areas report a sharper drop in income.
The place where Romanians spend New Year’s Eve
Home remains the dominant option when it comes to celebrating New Year’s Eve:
- Typically: 56–60%
- This year: 59–70%
- In parents/family: 13–20%
- With friends: 10–14%
- Hotel/pension in another locality: 6–11%
- Hotel/restaurant in the town: 3–8%
- Urban has a slightly higher mobility (more outings in the city or departures).
Where do Romanians spend Christmas?
- Home: 82–90% (dominant in both environments)
- To friends/family: 7–8%
- Departure to another locality: 2–5%
- Departure abroad: 1%
- The rural is even more stable than the urban in staying at home.
Family financial situation – present perception
Most respondents believe that they live worse than last year:
- Worse / much worse: 36–40%
- Same: 28–35%
- Better: 7–10%
- The urban is somewhat more pessimistic than the rural.
Family financial situation – expectations for 2026
When it comes to the financial situation and expectations for the coming year, moderate pessimism prevails:
- Worse / much worse: 31–35%
- Same: 28–30%
- Better: 15–20%
- The rural is slightly more optimistic than the urban.
The survey was conducted between December 18 and 22, 2025.
The maximum sampling error, at a 95% confidence level, is +/- 3.3%.
The Avangarde Socio-Behavioral Studies Group is controlled by Marius Pieleanu, a well-known sociologist who is frequently present in the media space.
