The holiday season is approaching, and this year some Canadians are taking a different approach to annual celebrations after the high inflation rates looming over most of 2022.

A recent study shows how most Canadians are choosing to spend less this year on holiday shopping.

As for Daniel Robert, 58 years old, this is the exact approach he and his wife took this year while adjusting their budget in preparation for retirement.

Apart from cutting back on gifts, Robert said he had to reduce his travel plans due to rising gas prices as he lives in Temiskaming Shores.

Given the limited transportation system in Northern Ontario, Robert and his wife heavily rely on their car to get around, as do most Canadians.

For her part, Gerti Reimer from Kincardine, Ontario, said this year she is all about keeping it simple. The 64-year-old retired teacher said she will give gifts to friends and family by making gift baskets containing items she says are more useful, such as food.

Reimer added to CTVNews.ca in a November interview: "It comes down to: what do we really need and what can we be proud of if we can. That’s why I bought chocolate, special sweets, coffee, and tea."

Additionally, Reimer said she is cutting back on buying any seasonal decor for her home and will use natural decorations, like pine cones, which she can use even after the holiday season.

Also, over the past three years, Reimer and her family have been planning to downsize, and after settling into a smaller home this year, she says it eased a lot of financial pressure.

However, she said she is aware of adjusting her budget and the financial hardships Canadians are facing this year.

Reimer hopes that Canadians, especially parents, will not be hard on themselves because they cannot boast luxurious gifts for their families. After all, most holiday celebrations are about having a good time together, she says.