Christmas Shopping Then and Now:
Comparing Prices Under Trump and Biden
The holiday season is a time of joy, family gatherings, and, for many, shopping for gifts to show appreciation for loved ones. Yet, under different administrations, the cost of filling up the Christmas tree has varied significantly. Comparing Christmas shopping prices under President Trump’s tenure to those under President Biden offers a clear snapshot of how economic policies affect everyday Americans.
Christmas Shopping Under Trump: Affordability and Stability
During President Trump’s administration, Christmas shopping budgets stretched further. Key policies, including tax cuts and deregulation, contributed to a strong economy with low inflation and rising wages. As a result, prices for everyday goods and holiday essentials were more stable.
- Groceries: In 2019, the average cost of a Christmas dinner for ten, including turkey, side dishes, and dessert, was around $48.91, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation.
- Bureau of labor statistics (Dec 2019)
- Bread: $1.36
- Chicken per pound: $1.45
- Eggs (dozen): $1.54
- Ground Beef per pound: $4.07
- Milk: $3.19
- Electricity per kwh: $0.13
- Gas Prices: Fuel costs hovered around $2.50 per gallon, meaning road trips to visit family or holiday shopping didn’t break the bank.
- Toys and Electronics: With lower tariffs on imports and competitive market conditions, the average cost of popular Christmas toys like LEGO sets and electronics saw modest year-over-year increases, typically in the range of 1% to 2%.
Christmas Shopping Under Biden: Inflation’s Impact on Holiday Cheer
Fast forward to today, and inflation has reshaped the holiday shopping experience. Under President Biden’s administration, soaring energy prices, supply chain disruptions, and increased federal spending have driven up costs across the board.
- Groceries: By 2022, the average cost of a Christmas dinner for ten had surged to $64.05, a 31% increase since 2019. Many families have been forced to reconsider traditional feasts due to the higher price of staples like butter, eggs, and meat.
- Bureau of labor statistics (Nov 2024)
- Bread: $1.92
- Chicken per pound: $1.94
- Eggs (dozen): $3.65
- Ground Beef per pound: $5.61
- Milk: $4.14
- Electricity per kwh: $0.18
- Gas Prices: With gas prices averaging around $3.18 per gallon, holiday road trips have become significantly more expensive.
- Toys and Electronics: Supply chain delays and increased transportation costs have driven up the price of goods. Popular items like gaming consoles and branded toys have seen price hikes of 10% or more compared to just a few years ago.
The Hidden Costs of Inflation
While the higher prices for gifts and food are visible, inflation also has hidden costs that affect holiday spending. Rising interest rates, meant to counteract inflation, have made credit card debt more expensive. For families relying on credit to finance holiday shopping, this adds another layer of financial strain.
What This Means for American Families
The contrast between Trump’s and Biden’s Christmas shopping seasons underscores the importance of sound economic policies. Under President Trump, a focus on energy independence, tax relief, and job creation allowed families to enjoy the holidays without worrying about escalating costs. In contrast, under President Biden, inflation and economic instability have stretched family budgets thin, dampening the joy of the season.
Christmas is a time for giving, but rising prices shouldn’t force families to choose between gifts and basic necessities. This holiday season, as Americans feel the pinch of inflation, it’s worth remembering how leadership and policy decisions directly impact our everyday lives. With a focus on fiscal responsibility and pro-growth policies, we can return to a time when Christmas shopping brought cheer instead of financial stress.
– F.W
America First
Sources
Cost of Thanksgiving Dinner Declines – Remains Higher Than Pre-Pandemic Levels
Moneywise – This is What Your Thanksgiving Dinner Costs in 2019
Average price data (in U.S. dollars), selected items
The fine print I have to include for my own protection:
The following text presents the author’s opinions and interpretations of events without intending to cause harm or defame any individuals, organizations, or entities mentioned. While the author has provided sources to support their claims, readers are encouraged to conduct their research and employ critical thinking to form their own conclusions.
Source Bias Information
Here you can check the Bias of the News Sources presented above.
I use Ground News when possible to find the bias of each source. Today, that lean right because the left was not reporting this.
And if you’d like to try Ground News! Use our link below for 15% off. Plans are only $0.83/month!
Ground News
