How Japan does Christmas without the financial hangover

Living in Japan long enough, you start to realize that Christmas here plays by its own rules. It's still festive and commercial, but many would argue that it's also surprisingly low-key, especially when it comes to money. A recent nationwide survey by Navit polled 1,000 people across Japan, and it offers a helpful snapshot of how locals actually approach the holiday.

About half of respondents said they don't celebrate Christmas at all, and among those who do, Christmas Eve is the main focus rather than the 25th itself. From a financial point of view, what stood out to me is how modest most plans are. The most common way to spend Christmas is simply staying home, either relaxing or having a small gathering, instead of going out or traveling.

Gift budgets are where the contrast really hits for many expats. More than half of respondents said they spend under 2,000 yen per present, with many others keeping it below 5,000 yen. Compared to Christmas spending in places like Australia (my home country) or the US (my husband's home country), this figure feels refreshingly restrained. The emphasis is clearly on thoughtfulness rather than price, with far less pressure to overdo it.

That mindset feels especially relevant in 2025. With prices for just about everything still high and December 25th falling on a weekday, many households are choosing convenience and cost-effectiveness. Easy-to-prepare foods and quiet nights at home are popular, while younger generations increasingly see Christmas as a chance to rest. Even the growing trend of self-gifting tends to focus on practical items rather than indulgence.

For expats managing their finances in Japan, I think Christmas here serves as a reminder that the season doesn't have to come with a financial hangover, and that mindset can feel like a gift in and of itself.