January 1, Christmas Dinner Costs Surge Amid Rising Food Prices

As President Joe Biden gets ready to leave office, folks are feeling the pinch in their wallets, and it’s hitting Christmas dinners hard again this year. Prices for holiday meal favorites are going up, making it tough for families trying to enjoy their traditions.

Expana, a big name in tracking food prices, says Christmas food costs more now. The prices for meats like shrimp, beef, and pork, plus veggies like carrots and potatoes, are up by 2.3% from last year. When you look at cookies and treats, it’s even rougher. The cost for things like wheat, sugar, and eggs shot up by 5.5% in November. Ham prices are up, too, now 8.3% higher than last year.

Since Biden took charge, we’ve seen prices blow up. Inflation hit a high in June 2022, worse than anything we’ve seen since 1979. Even though inflation has calmed a bit in 2024, it’s still too high. That’s because of all the spending the Biden team has done, some experts say.

The Consumer Price Index, which shows how much everyday things cost, went up by 2.7% in November. Food costs went up too, climbing another 0.4%. Beef and egg prices are shooting up, with eggs costing a whopping $3.65 a dozen now, way up from just $1.48 in 2020. It’s harder for folks to buy what they need, and some dollar stores are seeing folks buy less because everything costs an arm and a leg these days.

Even with these price hikes, people are still spending on the holidays. There’s a high average of $902 per person being spent on holiday goodies. Real Christmas trees cost more, too, about $79.31 each this year. Tree sales have been going down as folks cut back on extra spending.

These price jumps are making it harder for families, especially the ones struggling the most. It’s tough to see these costs keep climbing, and many are worried about what’s next. We need to focus on making life more affordable and putting the power back in the hands of everyday Americans.

Wyatt Matters!

As we look at the rising costs of Christmas dinners, it’s clear that many families are finding it challenging to keep up with their holiday traditions. Prices for food items like shrimp, beef, and even veggies like carrots and potatoes have gone up. Not to mention cookies and treats, where ingredients like wheat and sugar are now more expensive. It’s becoming harder for families to afford their usual holiday meals, and the season of giving feels a bit more restrained because of these financial pressures.

Inflation has been a big factor in these rising costs, affecting everything from eggs to holiday trees. Everyday items are pricier than they used to be, making it tough for people to buy the things they need. The cost of eggs, for example, has more than doubled in just a few years. People are finding that their money doesn’t go as far at the store, and even dollar stores are noticing shoppers being more careful about what they buy. It’s a difficult time for folks trying to make ends meet and still enjoy the holiday season.

Even with these challenges, families are still trying to find joy in the holidays. There’s a lot of spending on gifts and celebrations, but it’s crucial we focus on long-term solutions for these financial burdens. We should work on ways to bring down costs and make life more affordable for everyone. This means putting more decision-making power in the hands of everyday Americans so they can better manage their finances and enjoy the holidays without the added stress of high prices.

As our loyal readers, we encourage you to share your thoughts and opinions on this issue. Let your voice be heard and join the discussion below.

Source