Christmas on the menu, what retirement could really taste like
22 December 2025, Press Release
As the festive season approaches, many of us reflect on the little comforts and traditions that make life special, whether it’s a favourite meal, a decorated table, gathering with friends and family or the joy of giving. The Retirement Living Standards (RLS) from Pensions UK are designed to help you picture and plan for a retirement that lets you keep enjoying these moments, not just at Christmas, but all year round.
To make these standards more relatable and encourage engagement with retirement savings, we’ve created examples of Christmas day shopping trolleys reflecting the three Retirement Living Standards. The data below is based on two-person households and each trolley includes items for the main dinner, decorations, and gifts.
However, we recognise that everyone’s circumstances are unique. It doesn't matter if you’re celebrating with a crowd, with a close friend, or on your own, the Retirement Living Standards are designed to help you plan for the moments that matter to you. Even small traditions or simple comforts can make the season special, whatever your budget.
| Minimum | Moderate | Comfortable |
| Food budget total | £69.19
Total includes a budgeted amount for celebration events and a proportion of their regular weekly shopping and alcohol budget. | £146.01
Total includes a budgeted amount for celebration events and a proportion of their regular weekly shopping and alcohol budget, eating out budget and takeaway budget. | £296.04
Total includes a budgeted amount for celebration events and a proportion of their regular weekly shopping budget and eating out budget. |
| Decorations | £5
Christmas decorations (£25 for an artificial 4ft Xmas tree and decorations (baubles, lights etc.), tree replaced every 25 years and decorations every 3 years) | £5
Christmas decorations (£50 for an artificial 4ft Xmas tree and decorations (baubles, lights etc.), replaced every 10 years) | £5
Christmas decorations (£50 for an artificial 4ft Xmas tree and decorations (baubles, lights etc.), replaced every 10 years) |
| Presents | £245
Christmas present spend (12 gifts of £20, plus £25 for all gift wrap and cards) | £360
Christmas presents spend (12 gifts of £30, including gift wrap and cards) | £600
Christmas present spend (12 gifts of £50, including gift wrap and cards) |
| Total | £319.19 | £511.01 | £901.04 |
Cali Sullivan, Project Lead for the Retirement Living Standards at Pensions UK, said: “Retirement isn’t about cutting back or missing out. It’s about carrying on with the life you’ve built, the routines you enjoy, and the celebrations you look forward to. The Pensions UK Retirement Living Standards help you see what’s possible, whether you’re living alone or sharing costs with someone else.
“Our Christmas shopping trolley is just one example of how the Standards translate into real life. It shows you the version of Christmas you might expect in future, and helps you think now about how you can achieve that.
“The key to maintaining that lifestyle into retirement is planning ahead. By understanding what you spend now and what you’ll want in retirement, you can make sure your savings keep pace with the lifestyle you're accustomed to. The Retirement Living Standards are here to guide you, so you can keep enjoying the things that matter.
“And let’s not forget, retirement is also about having the time for the things you enjoy. Whether you’re hosting a lively family gathering, enjoying a quiet meal with a friend, or simply treating yourself to a favourite dessert, these moments are part of what makes life rich and rewarding. With a little preparation, you can plan for the memories you want in retirement.
“Start planning now to keep the lifestyle you’re used to during working years when you retire. To help with this planning you can check your latest pension statement, use the Retirement Living Standards to see what your future could look like, look for lost pots that you may have forgotten; and talk to your provider or adviser about how to stay on track. The earlier you start, the more confident you’ll feel.”
ENDS
Methodology
The Retirement Living Standards are based on extensive research with people across the UK, reflecting what’s needed for a dignified, enjoyable retirement. The Christmas shopping trolley is a practical illustration of the “celebration events” budget, showing how retirees can continue to enjoy familiar traditions and comforts. The Minimum and Moderate standards are based on a two-person household hosting four for dinner; Comfortable assumes six guests. All costs are grounded in real supermarket prices and typical spending patterns. These are based on supermarket chains that are available all over the UK, other retailers will have different costs and different reward systems.
If you would like to see the basket of goods please contact Cali Sullivan.
Why it matters
The Retirement Living Standards are designed to help you keep enjoying the lifestyle you’re used to, even after you stop working. They offer a practical guide for planning ahead, so you can feel confident that the everyday comforts and celebrations you value remain part of your future. With a bit of preparation, you can make sure your retirement is as rewarding and familiar as the life you enjoy today.
Explore the full 2025 Retirement Living Standards here:
www.retirementlivingstandards.org.uk
Mark Smith, Head of Media Relations
020 7601 1726 | [email protected]
Cali Sullivan, Senior PR Manager
020 7601 1761 | [email protected]