Christmas is coming, and let’s be real, the cost-of-living squeeze is on everyone’s mind. But if you think Aussies are ditching the festive cheer, think again! New research from Buy Now, Pay Later giant Afterpay reveals we’re not cancelling the holidays, we’re just getting seriously strategic .

Forget last-minute mall panic and credit card debt stress. This year, Aussies are leading the charge in smart shopping, making sure they can still enjoy thoughtful gifts and a little self-care without blowing the budget.

Why September is the New December: Shop Smarter, Not Harder

Nearly half of Australians ($44%) plan to spend less this holiday season, with most ($55%) aiming to keep their total spend under $750 . So, how are savvy shoppers managing this?

It all comes down to one word:

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