Christmas is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but for millions of Australians, it’s fast becoming the most difficult.
A new national survey commissioned by the St Vincent de Paul Society reveals that soaring cost-of-living pressures are threatening to turn the festive season into a time of financial and emotional stress rather than celebration.
Across the country, 62 per cent of Australians say that cost-of-living pressures are making it hard to plan or look forward to festive celebrations. Alarmingly, almost half (49 per cent) of families with children under 18 are worried about simply putting food on the table this Christmas.
The findings come as the St Vincent de Paul Society launches its annual Vinnies Christmas Appeal, calling on Australians to help bring hope, comfort and dignity to families facing hardship this Christmas.
In ACT and the surrounding region, the situation reflects the national trend.
“Every day, our volunteers and staff are hearing from families who never imagined they’d need help,” Lucy Hohnen, CEO of St Vincent de Paul Society Canberra/Goulburn, said.
(Read our earlier interview with Ms Hohnen.)
“The cost-of-living crisis has pushed many to the brink, and Christmas only magnifies that stress. We’re seeing more first-time callers than ever before, and the requests for food, rent, and utility support are at record levels.”
But it’s not only Christmastime when people are hurting; almost one in three (32 percent) Australians admit they have skipped meals or gone without food in the past 12 months to afford other essentials, such as rent or electricity.
“On the Vinnies Emergency Relief Helpline, we’re hearing from people who have never reached out before,” volunteer Paula Bounds said. “The stories are heartbreaking: parents are skipping meals so their children can eat; families are facing eviction; and older people are struggling to afford medication. The need is urgent, and every donation makes a real difference.”
Last year, the St Vincent de Paul Society Canberra/Goulburn supported more than 5,000 individuals and families through the Vinnies Emergency Helpline, providing over $2 million in direct assistance.
The 2025 Christmas Appeal aims to raise vital funds to provide food hampers, tenancy support, and emergency relief to more families.
“That’s why this year’s Vinnies Christmas Appeal comes with a special plea for anyone who can afford to donate,” Ms Hohnen said.
“Your generosity will help us share hope and joy by providing gifts, nutritious meals, and essential support for people facing an otherwise bleak Christmas.
“Every dollar raised will help support locals who are doing it tough — and could be your greatest gift this Christmas.”
Donations can be made at: The Vinnies Christmas Appeal – St Vincent de Paul Society
