What do you do with a gift you don't like? Romanians answer differently in 2025, compared to three years ago / What has changed
Christmas present. Photo: Shutterstock
One in 10 Romanians hates giving Christmas presents, and 5% say they won't decorate any Christmas tree. Money (22%), joy (7%), kindness (4%) and snow (3%) are things that Romanians miss at Christmas, according to an Ipsos survey.
Christmas remains primarily a family holiday. Most spend this time in a small circle (55%) or with extended family (49%). Only 4% plan to go abroad, and another 4% say they will spend the holidays alone.
In the homes of Romanians, the artificial tree dominates the preferences: 63% declare that they opt for a reusable tree, while the natural tree is present in 32% of homes. In addition to the 5% who do not make a tree, many mention that they return to the decorations of past years and update the festive atmosphere with lights and small themed accents (arrangements, figurines, etc.)
How Romanians celebrate Christmas in 2025
From Secret Santa and Advent calendars, tickets to shows, classes, from opening presents on Christmas night to “Christmas pajamas” and red outfits, Romanians are increasingly personalizing their holidays.
Family time is spent on streaming platforms and sharing moments on social media.
Going to Christmas markets is more and more part of the schedule, while caroling or cooking at home are less and less present in the city.
What gifts do Romanians buy?
Asked what gifts they buy for Christmas, Romanians indicated this year:
- cosmetics and personal care products (50%),
- clothes and accessories such as gloves or socks (41%),
- home decorations (41%),
- money directly offered (25%),
- books (20%),
- gift cards (17%),
- cups (14%)
- alcohol (9%)
Ask “What's missing for Christmas?” the Romanians answered: money (22%), joy (7%), kindness (4%) and snow (3%), according to the survey.
What do we do with gifts we don't like?
Asked, at a distance of 3 years, what they will do with the gifts they receive that they don't like, 36% of urban respondents say this year that they will still keep them, a substantial increase compared to the percentage of 25% recorded in 2022.
This year, keeping the gift is tied with giving the gift further, which moved into second place with 35%.
The other options are down from 2022: the intention to change the product has dropped significantly to 4% (from 11%), donating it has decreased to 14% (from 18%), and selling inappropriate gifts is preferred by only 3% of people (compared to 7%, 3 years ago). Returning the gift to the one who gave it remains a constantly avoided gesture, remaining at a marginal threshold of 1% in both years analyzed.
Different but together
The winter holidays are no longer just a repetition of the past, but a mix between tradition and trends. Christmas retains its charm, but adapts to the present.
Generation X and Millennials remain adherents to established customs and family traditions. Generation Z comes with new rules and proposes a personalized Christmas.
The Ipsos study was carried out by interviewing 500 urban respondents online in each of the waves carried out in December 2025 and December 2022 respectively.
