We're spending less on Easter this year

Absolutely, COVID restrictions are putting a dent in our Easter celebrations and spending.

Firstly, travel and social restrictions mean we won't be driving 100 miles to grandma's house to pile around the table with extended family and friends to eat, drink and be merry.

Secondly, if we're not travelling and gathering, we'll be saving money on gas, food and chocolate.

In fact, a survey by insurance rates comparison platform Hellosafe.ca shows the average Canadian will spend $41.70 on Easter this year, a 29% plunge from pre-COVID spending of $58.40 for Easter 2019.

However, this year's $41.70 is a 37% increase from the average $30.50 spent on Easter 2020 during the worst of the pandemic lockdown.

Over the Easter long weekend, 85% of us will eat chocolate, 53% ham, 50% cake, 48% Lenten buns and 20% lamb.

Of course, chocolate is the frontrunner because it's universally loved whether you're a kid doing an Easter egg hunt or not.

Ham is the traditional dinner choice, which can be made even more Canadian with a maple syrup glaze.

"Easter 2022 will certainly be better celebrated with the end of the pandemic and the return to higher spending levels," said Hellosafe.c CEO Antoine Fruchard.

"For now, chocolate makers will have to console themselves with the fact their products are still as popular among Canadians, despite the crisis."