With Christmas approaching, Icelanders are reporting a wide range in how much they expect to spend on gifts this year, from relatively modest sums to several hundred thousand krónur.
As the Advent season progresses and shops grow busier, many households are finalising their Christmas budgets. While some shoppers believe spending has become excessive, others see generous gift-giving as an integral part of the festive season.
A recent informal survey of shoppers at Kringlan shopping centre highlighted just how varied expectations can be.
Shoppers Share Estimates 
Photo: Christmas gifts. Stockvault.
People interviewed said they typically purchase between 10 and 20 gifts, with total spending estimates ranging from around ISK 20,000 to as much as ISK 500,000.
Among those shopping was Karl Ingi Rosenkjaer, who was visiting Kringlan with his grandson while searching for a new suit.
Speaking to RÚV, he said that Christmas shopping in his household is largely handled by his wife, with the family expecting to buy around 20 presents this year; “I would guess that it could be half a million.”
Asked whether that figure was higher than in previous years, Karl said it was broadly in line with past Christmases.
“Christmas only comes once a year and this is it, just the atmosphere that comes with Christmas. I’m just happy with that…”
The responses reflect differing attitudes toward seasonal spending, as Icelanders balance tradition, expectations, and personal finances in the run-up to Christmas.