Festive season stress rising as more Australians struggle to make ends meet

Christmas is a wonderful time of the year for many Australians, but for a growing number of households across NSW, it’s fast becoming the hardest.

A new survey* commissioned by the St Vincent de Paul Society reveals that cost-of-living pressures are turning Christmas from a time of joy to one of uncertainty, with 3 in 5 people in NSW finding the festive season to be a financially stressful time.

Alarmingly, 55% of people in NSW expect to experience financial stress during the festive season, while 1 in 3 people across the state anticipate needing to seek financial or community assistance in the lead up to Christmas.

The findings come as the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW launches its annual Vinnies Christmas Appeal, calling on the community to help bring hope, comfort and dignity to families facing a difficult Christmas.

In NSW, 60% of people say that cost-of-living pressures are making it difficult to plan or think about festive season celebrations. While 2 in 5 people are concerned about being able to provide food during the festive season, ranking above the national trend (36%).

“Sadly, these figures match what we are seeing every day. People are struggling across the community to get by with the most basic of needs, let alone thinking about celebrating Christmas,” said Yolanda Saiz, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW CEO.

But it’s not only Christmas time when people are hurting; 1 in 3 people in NSW admit they’ve skipped meals or gone without food in the past 12 months to afford other essentials, such as rent or electricity.

“Every day, our members and services are seeing people who are struggling to keep up with the cost of living. In recent years, we’ve seen more people reaching out for assistance, but never at the sustained levels we’re seeing now,” said Ms Saiz.

More than 100,000 people have been supported by St Vincent de Paul Society NSW members for the second year in a row, with nearly 1 in 3 people seeking support for the first time and 3 in 4 people needing assistance with food.

“Our members across the state are here to lend a helping hand with food, clothing, household bills,” said Peter Houweling, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW State President.

“Every dollar raised through the Vinnies Christmas Appeal will help people find hope and relief during what should be the happiest time of the year. Your generosity could be your greatest gift this Christmas.”

Donations of $2 and over are tax-deductible, with funds staying local to support people in need in NSW. To donate, visit nsw.vinnies.org.au/christmasappeal.

* Festive Season Survey prepared for St Vincent de Paul Society NSW by YouGov. Online survey of nationally representative sample of 1,020 Australians aged 18 years and older, conducted 25-27 August 2025.