Christmas costs climb

Photo Courtesy: Flickr

Photo Courtesy: Flickr

Alexandra Downing

   As we approach the three-year mark of the COVID-19 pandemic the economic impacts seem to be endless. Higher prices due to inflation from the pandemic cause this holiday season to be extremely costly and leads many consumers to cut back. 

   The holiday season often has some of the highest travel rates as people rush to spend time with family or escape the dreary weather that comes toward the end of the year. 

   According to bankrate.com, airline expenses have seen a 42.9 percent increase in price, gasoline prices have risen by 17.5 percent, and transportation services have seen a 15.2 percent in price. 

   Things are not much better for those who choose to stay home. The price of utility bills has also seen a rise in prices as it faces a 17.1 percent increase.

   One of the greatest impacts has been the cost of food. The holiday season is often a time of year when people host friends and families and partake in different festive activities. Many of these events revolve around or incorporate food. 

   Food Inflation caused by the effects of the pandemic has made it more difficult to make and purchase many food items. Particularly baked goods, as these are the food items most affected.

 The inflation in food prices has greatly hurt those who had previously struggled to meet food needs. 

   According to bankrate.com, grocery’s have not seen as great of an increase in price since 1979. This has caused worsened issues in food security, especially for low-income families.

   In regards to the traditional costs of the holidays such as gifts, decor, and Christmas trees these seasonal things have also faced increased prices. 

   According to Forbes, almost all holiday gifts purchased in 2021 have seen a price increase. Gifts such as jewelry and toys have faced the most severe rises in price. 

   One of the items most affected this holiday season is the price of Christmas trees. 

   According to newsnation.com, Christmas tree farms have faced supply and demand chain issues due to the pandemic. Some areas of the U.S. have faced a 25 percent increase in prices, with the average increase in the price set at around 10-15 percent for most parts of the U.S.

   Inflation from the COVID-19 pandemic has caused many consumers to cut back on how much they have spent and to obtain basic necessities before they purchase gifts or other holiday-related expenses. 

  According to CNBC, 41 percent of consumers plan to cut back on how much they spend in comparison to the 2021 holiday season. It is expected that this year will be the most cautious holiday season since 2013.