CHRISTMAS is cancelled for a quarter of Bradfordians due to the cost of living crisis - with some planning on buying no presents at all, according to a new survey.

The poll of 2,000 shoppers in the city found 26 per cent of people cannot afford to celebrate the festive period this year due to the ongoing issues with inflation and rising energy prices.

It was conducted by Sheffield-based firm, Inventory Planner, which provides forecasting and planning software for businesses.

Almost half of shoppers (49 per cent) are “worried” about being able to afford to buy gifts for the festive period, with 15 per cent admitting they will save cash by not buying any at all.

A fifth of households (21 per cent) plan to spend less this year than at Christmas 2021, with a quarter of them (24 per cent) setting a strict spending limit.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: A sad Santa leaving the buildingA sad Santa leaving the building (Image: Unsplash)

Some people are taking drastic measures in order to afford Christmas this year, by getting rid of festive stalwarts.

The classic Christmas tree is being ditched by 17 per cent of those surveyed, while a similar amount are not bothering with Christmas cards (15 per cent) and even going without a turkey (16 per cent).

One in five households (21 per cent) said they will be asking guests for the big day to make a contribution to the cost of Christmas dinner.

Other ways people are hoping to save money includes, giving homemade gifts (22 per cent of people), switching to cheaper Secret Santa presents (22 per cent) and not using wrapping paper or seeking cheaper alternatives such as old newspapers (23 per cent).

Meanwhile, just over one in six people are finding ways of bringing in extra money – through working extra hours (18 per cent) and taking on a second job (17 per cent).

Inventory Planner’s spokesperson, Sara Arthrell, said: “Many shoppers in Bradford do face a nightmare before Christmas but they are finding clever ways to save money and make sure that the Grinch doesn’t spoil all the fun.”

The cuts in consumer spending also present a challenge for retailers, according to Ms Arthrell.

She said: “With more than a quarter of consumers cancelling Christmas this year, many retailers are facing a nightmare in the New Year being stuck with dangerous levels of excess stock.

“Good inventory planning is vital.

“With a shrinking economy and weak consumer confidence, many retailers need to turn their surplus stock into cash quickly and strengthen their cash reserves as they prepare to trade through a recession.”