According to a survey just published by OpinionWay for Proximis, 53%—or 1 in 2—of the French polled, said they will not spend Christmas with family this year because of the Covid restrictions and fear of “too many risks.”
The survey also revealed around half of those polled say they will buy fewer gifts than in previous years and they’ll spend 30% less than two years ago.
On a positive note, the French are more inclined to shop at small businesses, once they reopen. One in 2 respondents say they will support local trade instead of online shopping. However, 3 in 4 admit they are stressed out by the idea of doing their Christmas shopping because of the health crisis.
French health minister Olivier Véran has previously stated that he wants to lift confinement for end of year celebrations but several top medical doctors have been calling for the government to “cancel Christmas and New Year's Eve” to avoid a third wave.
French prime minister Jean Castex will update the public on Thursday, November 12, at 6 p.m. about the impact of confinement since October 30 and moving forward, but he is not expected to announce the reopening of small businesses.
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