The cause of Christmas phobia among Norwegians has been revealed

According to UNICEF’s annual Christmas survey, 600,000 Norwegians fear the coming of Christmas. This happened due to economic destabilization and global conflicts. As in recent surveys, people with low incomes and families with children especially express negative expectations ahead of Christmas and the upcoming holidays.

The annual study was carried out by YouGov for UNICEF. It shows that every seventh respondent is afraid of the pre-Christmas period and the holiday itself. According to the survey, 12 percent of citizens responded that they had little opportunity to give their own children the Christmas they deserve. And every third Norwegian believes that not only the economy, but also the situation in the world will negatively affect Christmas celebrations. A total of 1005 interviews were conducted with individuals aged 18 years and over over a 2-week period.

Until 2022, the survey was stable and showed that about 400-500 thousand are afraid of Christmas. Now, due to a feeling of lack of money, the figure is rising.

The survey shows that there are primarily two groups that differ negatively in their expectations for Christmas, namely families with children and those on the lowest incomes. Almost one in three respondents say that others enjoy Christmas more than they do.

60 percent of Norwegian families with the lowest income said that Christmas increases the feeling of a bad economy. The average response to this question in the survey is 40 percent. It is not always easy for poor families to go to school.

“This is an impact that we have seen for many years, but which is naturally intensified by tougher economic times for many,” admits Christine Oudmaier, director of children’s rights at UNICEF. She added that families with young children are at a formative stage in society. They tend to have a more demanding economy than most established families.

According to the Norwegian publication VG, parents are more affected by fluctuations in the economy and are thinking about, among other things, rising interest rates and ever-increasing food prices.

The survey also shows that as many as six in ten respondents believe that the pre-Christmas period and Christmas contribute to increasing differences and inequality in Norway.

According to Statistics Norway, there are more than 180 thousand single parents in the country.

“My impression is that many single parents are worse off at Christmas this year than they were last year. Many are experiencing financial difficulties. The survey found that our members spend about 70 percent of their income on housing costs. Then it is clear that the pre-Christmas and Christmas holidays seem financially unaffordable for many,” confirms Director of Children’s Rights Katherine Austrheim in an interview with VG.

Oudmaier also emphasizes that the world situation is clearly reflected in the survey – including in relation to Norwegians celebrating Christmas.

“Unfortunately, there are always conflicts in many places in the world, there is no doubt that they affect Norwegians. So much so that it affects the pre-Christmas period and Christmas celebrations,” says Oudmaier. And he adds: “What the government must do is ensure that child benefit prices are regulated and increased for all children under 18, and that minimum benefit rates are increased. Benefits and amounts of social assistance for families with children should ensure that the family receives sufficient and predictable income throughout the year.”

Let us recall that in 2022 they tried to cover the income gap in Norway with a social payment of 1 thousand Norwegian kroner, as well as a one-time benefit for each child in the family in the same amount. This year, the Red Party (Rødt) put forward a similar initiative for discussion in parliament – the majority was against it.

“Has the situation improved so much compared to last year that this assistance, in the government’s opinion, is not necessary?” said party leader Maria Sneve Martinussen.

Workers’ Party spokesman Frode Jacobsen explains to NTB why payments need to be maintained ahead of the holidays: “Much attention has been paid to the fact that many people are finding it difficult to get money to last until Christmas. We must do this to strengthen the economy in the short term so that those who have the least can celebrate Christmas.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gun Støre rejected the package of “holiday” payments. The government, he said, is not ready to take such measures to support citizens.

“It is wrong to think that if we pay people 1,000 crowns for Christmas, we will thereby solve their problems and give them a holiday. We are concerned about what happens throughout the year with the financial situation of people, and we are working to ensure that they experience a reduction in prices and bank rates, and their financial situation improves,” said the country’s Prime Minister.