A combination of travel restrictions, worries around spreading COVID-19 and the financial impact of the pandemic are forcing people to rethink their Christmas plans

• Close to seven in ten (68%) migrants living in Australia reveal that Christmas won’t be the same this year as they are unable to see family and friends
• Two thirds (67%) of Australian migrants say they want to show more love to family and friends this festive season

2020 has been a year like no other, and this is reflected in the nation’s Christmas plans and feelings towards the festive season. According to research by leading digital cross-border payments business WorldRemit, two-thirds (67%) of migrants living in Australia want to show more love to family and friends.

Close to nine in ten (88%) say Christmas is typically about being close to the ones you love, and 68% say Christmas wouldn’t be the same without seeing friends and family. This has led 65% to say this Christmas will be even more important than usual. However, a combination of travel restrictions, worries about spreading the virus and its continued financial impact is forcing many people to rethink how to spend the festive season.

Many are exploring alternative ways to make the most out of their favourite Christmas traditions, which typically comprise seeing friends and family (66%), enjoying festive food (49%), giving presents (44%), and, of course, that welcome time away from work (31%). Over half (53%) say that video calls will help them stay connected to family and friends from a distance.

Christmas is grounded

For many in the migrant community, Christmas means travelling abroad to be with close family and friends. WorldRemit found that 57% of those celebrating Christmas usually travel abroad to be with their loved ones, but this year they’re not able to do so.

Sending money to family and friends is also part of the Christmas ritual for many migrants living in Australia, with 64% using money transfer as a gift for loved ones and 29% sending money to help them pay for Christmas expenses.

WorldRemit Managing Director APAC, Scott Eddington said, “Christmas is an important time of year for so many of us, and we’re very happy to see so many people looking to make it a Christmas to remember. For those living far from family and friends, this year is going to be incredibly challenging and we can see many won’t be travelling to see loved ones as usual. We’re pleased that people are finding new ways to support each other and spread some festive joy, and we are pleased that the WorldRemit service can play a small role in that.”

New year’s resolutions

With this year’s Christmas looking so different, the migrant community is already looking to next year to make up for lost time with loved ones. Three quarters (74%) say they will try to spend more time with their family and friends in 2021. And amid encouraging signs that a vaccine will be widely available in 2021, 66% are optimistic about what the new year will bring and hope to return to spending as much time with their loved ones as they wish.