A joint study conducted by the employment platforms Rabota.ru and Podrabotka explored how households in Russia plan to allocate their spending for the New Year holidays and what sums people are prepared to set aside. The research drew on the responses of more than 5,000 Rabota.ru users aged 18 and over, spanning multiple regions across the country. The findings were examined and published by socialbites.ca, lending additional perspective on consumer behavior during the festive season. This project sheds light on not just totals, but how those totals are distributed across entertainment, gifts, food, and the many small rituals that make the holidays feel special. The survey offers a snapshot of household priorities at a time when budgets are often stretched and expectations high, making it a useful reference for families, retailers, and policymakers alike who want to understand current spending patterns. (Source: Rabota.ru study)
Among the respondents, 35% indicated a willingness to spend up to 30 thousand rubles for the New Year holidays, revealing a substantial segment aiming for affordable celebration options or careful budgeting. A further 27% signaled readiness to allocate between 30 thousand and 50 thousand rubles, showing a middle-ground approach that balances celebration with financial prudence. In addition, 15% planned to cap their expenditure at 70 thousand rubles, 11% at up to 100 thousand rubles, 10% at up to 150 thousand rubles, and 2% stated their holiday budget would exceed 150 thousand rubles. These tiers illustrate a diverse spending landscape where some households pursue modest festivities while others commit larger sums to create memorable experiences. (Source: Rabota.ru study)
When asked about where the money would go, half of the participants, about 52%, said they would channel their budgets into holiday entertainment, which can include events, activities, shows, and experiences that elevate the festive mood. Roughly 45% anticipated spending on gifts for loved ones, underscoring the enduring tradition of giving during the season. Food and beverages were a priority for 41% of respondents, reflecting the central role of meals and gatherings in Russian New Year celebrations. Winter sports also featured prominently for 37%, indicating that seasonal activities remain an important part of holiday plans for many families. This distribution highlights how celebrations blend experiences, presents, and festive meals into a single spending plan. (Source: Rabota.ru study)
Beyond entertainment and gifts, 26% of participants set aside funds specifically for travel during the holidays, whether for visiting relatives, exploring new destinations, or simply enjoying a change of scenery. Another 21% planned to invest in decor and holiday decorations, aiming to create a festive atmosphere at home. About 20% anticipated higher expenses at cafes and restaurants, signaling a preference for social gatherings outside the home as part of the holiday routine. The survey also captured the “Other” category, where respondents noted intentions to allocate money toward apartment or car repairs, purchasing new equipment, or visiting cinemas, illustrating a broad spectrum of holiday priorities that go beyond the traditional trifecta of gifts, meals, and travel. (Source: Rabota.ru study)
In addition to the spending plans, the study touched on related trends, including how many Russians feel a fatigue buildup as the year ends. Earlier reporting indicated that 37% of Russians experience severe fatigue by the close of the year, a factor that can influence how people decide to celebrate and how much they are willing to invest in rest, experiences, and leisure as a counterbalance to stress. This context helps interpret why some households favor quick celebrations and others opt for extended plans that spread out spending over time. (Source: Rabota.ru study)