Some 77 per cent of Bulgarians intend to stay home for New Year's, shows a nationwide representative survey conducted by the National Public Opinion Centre (NPOC) in December. Those who prefer the warmth of home are mostly women, people aged over 50 years, those living in rural areas, and people whose living standards are below the average.

Seven per cent of respondents say they will be entertained in a club or a restaurant, will visit a winter resort or will travel abroad. This is the way to spend the holiday for the youngest (under 30) and people with stable incomes.

Some 56 per cent of those polled say they can spend between 20 and 100 leva for the holidays. Some 17 per cent would spend between 100 and 200 leva per household member for an abundant dinner.

Twenty-three per cent of interviewees cannot set aside any money for the holidays, or will use a budget of up to 20 leva. These are, above all, the most elderly, those who live in rural areas and the poor, most of whom will count on home made foods and drinks.

Presents are the most desired part of the holiday. Over half of interviewees (53 per cent) this year will spend between 20 and 100 leva to buy presents for their relatives. Nine per cent are planning to spend between 100 and 200 leva, and 3.8 per cent - over 200 leva on presents. Eighteen per cent will buy token presents worth up to 20 leva. Some 16.8 per cent of people say they cannot afford to buy presents. This group includes the most elderly and those living in rural areas.

Nearly half of Bulgarians (47.9 per cent) say they are not planning to give money to charity during the Christmas and New Year holidays. According to NPOC, in December 2006 their share was 44.9 per cent.

Twenty-nine per cent say they will spend money on charity campaigns. These include mostly affluent Bulgarians. At the end of 2006, those who declared they would give money to charity constituted 37.2 per cent of Bulgarians.

Source: BTA