Luxembourg - top nation for Christmas spending

(ADW) It seems that Luxembourg residents are very generous, money-wise, when it comes to Christmas spending. The average amount a family spends at yule time is an impressive 825 euros, more than other European countries. This is according to a new Deloitte report entitled "Year-end spending survey 2013".

Luxembourg is only topped by Ireland who reached 895 euros. The scale this is even an increase for the Grand Duchy on last year by 0.2 percent or 16 euros. Next on the list is Finland with 692 euros and Switzerland with 656 euros.

The stereotype of the Dutch being tight with money isn’t helped by this report. Near the bottom of the list the Netherlands appears to be a bit of  Scrooge nation with the figure of 285 euros, despite the country’s wealth and stability being relatively high.

Even Greece, despite a large drop of minus 12.8 percent on spending since last year, still achieved an average amount of 451 euros.

However, it is interesting to note the countries with the most dramatic change from 2012 to 2013. Ukraine is listed as spending an average of 374 euros this year which may not sound impressive against other figures but is a massive 17.4 percent increase from last year. Russia's spending is 442 euros, a 13.1 percent increase.

Luxembourg is also number one when it comes to the amount of money spent on individual gifts with the average amount of 71 euros which is 36 euros more than the European average.

Although these comparisons make for an interesting read, one has to remember that prices for presents and Christmas treats in one country can be less than in another, and of course the economic climate has affected southern European countries more than northern nations.

• For the full report in PDF format: Click here