It’s no surprise that Christmas 2022 will be drastically different from last year’s celebration: although the UK’s economic crisis has been brewing since late 2021, Russian-Ukrainian conflict has meant goods across the country have soared in price, leaving limited income for festive luxuries. As we move forward into the winter months, many look forward to the boost in morale that comes with celebrations from lights to markets- but with events such as Muswell Hill’s yearly display being significantly reduced, will we be embracing a scaled-down Christmas this year?
While the Government juggles Prime Ministers to find a solution for the crisis, jobs nationwide are left without adequate pay rises: A. Hammond, a business teacher explains “with inflation averaging 2-3% over 10 years, that means teachers are now close to 20% worse off... If I get a pay rise for next year, that doesn’t help me regain the lost real income from last year.” This loss of salary only makes public light displays more costly due to the demand for energy many argue has better use elsewhere- among petrol prices, electricity has been one of the most inflated products this year, GOV.UK reporting a near 20% increase.
Display cutbacks aren’t just a possibility: while Oxford Street’s famous Christmas lights will be hung from November 2nd, they are on for significantly less time than in previous years in response to the limited energy supply. Despite their efforts to keep costs down and keep visitors happy, questions arise wondering if they should be displayed at all- “the hot-dog seller and burger van owner might have a good night, meaning they can afford to buy that new van next year, creating economic activity- however, the reality of kids pressuring parents to spend more money they can’t afford... suggests these celebrations would be better cut back”. On the other hand, many see December as a time to celebrate in an otherwise dark and cold month, justifying the Christmas expenses.
Despite some displays are sticking to their winning formula such as Hyde Park’s 15th Winter Wonderland, the effect inflation has had on the festive season is undeniable- as the crisis is expected to last for at least another 2 years, the Government faces difficult choices between “spending less and having less good public services...hospitals, roads” and finding new ways to afford the Christmas upkeep. Hammond suggests that “many are keen on boosting ‘the Green economy’ – new UK manufacturing of wind turbines or solar energy products” but admits the difficulties of finding new energy sources when the nation now has less to spend.
But the celebrations don’t stop at Christmas- with 100,000 tickets set to be sold from October 21st for London’s New Year firework display (held back from previous years due to COVID restrictions), Sadiq Khan’s promises for the event to be the ‘best ever’ certainly aren’t going unnoticed. When workers are striking for a pay raise and gas is selling for 4 times as much as it was in 2021 according to ONS, the need for a return in these events is bound to be controversial. As “there are going to be a couple of tough years ahead, especially for those on lower incomes”- are the upcoming Christmas plans justifiable in the joyousness they bring to the nation, or are they just too extravagant for the already collapsing economy to stand?
Statistics from GOV.UK:
https://www.ons.gov.uk/economy/inflationandpriceindices/articles/energypricesandtheireffectonhouseholds/2022-02-01
