New Year Spending Habits in Russia
Recent survey findings reveal a clear pattern in how Russians plan to fund their New Year’s table. About one in three respondents intend to allocate 4 to 5 thousand rubles for the festive spread, while a quarter say they will budget 6 to 7 thousand rubles. A smaller but notable portion, 16 percent, is prepared to spend up to 10 thousand rubles. These figures come from a study on the Package service reported by RT, reflecting current consumer priorities as households gear up for the holiday season.
When the budget rises, the top line items start to stand out. Caviar accounts for 28 percent of total expenditure, followed by hard alcohol at 26 percent and hot beverages at 21 percent. These shares show how traditional luxury and warming drinks remain central to the New Year’s table, even as families seek balance between indulgence and practical spending. The data underscore the weight of premium foods and beverages in the annual celebration, shaping choices well before guests arrive.
Who should pick up the tab for the banquet is a common question in the Russian household. A plurality of respondents, 40 percent, believe the homeowner should bear the costs while guests contribute only by bringing something to the table. Close behind, 29 percent think the host should handle the expenses, and 31 percent favor a shared approach among all attendees. This split highlights a diverse set of cultural expectations about hospitality and shared responsibility during the holiday, indicating that many families prefer to designate one payer, while others favor equal participation or guest contributions.
Budget planning versus spontaneity also emerges as a focal point. Half of the participants try to set aside funds in advance for the festive season, while 43 percent say they tend to avoid spontaneous spending. The divide suggests that many households adopt a cautious approach, budgeting ahead to prevent post-holiday financial strain, yet a sizable portion remains open to last-minute adjustments—perhaps driven by guest lists, food trends, or evolving offers.
Spending discipline surfaces in other habits as well. Seven percent of respondents admit they are ready to shop with little forethought, whereas a sizeable 89 percent actively seek ways to save money. Popular strategies include using cashback offers, loyalty cards, buying items before prices rise, and taking advantage of promotions. Only 11 percent say they do not attempt to save at all. These numbers paint a picture of a market where frugality meets festivity, with many households pursuing value through timing, discounts, and rewards programs.
Another facet of the holiday table concerns tradition and what might be left off the menu. There are those who consider certain classic dishes outdated or unappealing for contemporary celebrations. Dishes such as jellied meat, herring under a fur coat, hot dishes, and Olivier are among those cited as candidates to be skipped by some households. This reflects a dynamic interplay between heritage and evolving tastes, as families recalibrate the menu to reflect preferences, dietary considerations, or a desire for modern variety.
One lingering question remains for many: how much money would it take to recreate the iconic New Year’s table from the film The Irony of Fate? Experts weigh in to estimate the cost, often highlighting that recreating screen-perfect spreads involves not just ingredients but presentation, timing, and the sentimental value attached to the scene. While exact figures vary, the discussion underscores how deeply cultural touchstones influence real-world holiday planning.