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Who spent more on heartbreak and holiday cheer: Amanda’s first-class splurge or Iris’s thoughtful thrift?

Ah, The Holiday. The quintessential seasonal rom-com where Amanda (Cameron Diaz) and Iris (Kate Winslet) swap lives, fall in love, and spend a small fortune in the process. But while we were swooning over snowy Surrey cottages and sunny Californian mansions, just how much cash were these two splurging to escape their heartbreak?

A new study by JeffBet.com has put the spotlight on the characters’ holiday spending, and spoiler alert: Amanda, the high-flying movie trailer mogul, spent nearly £8,900 more than Iris, our frugal Surrey journalist. That’s right—while Amanda was swanning about in first-class and stocking up on gourmet cheeses, Iris was bargain-hunting her way to the ultimate meet-cute.

The Price Tag of Escapism

Let’s start with Amanda, who apparently saw no issue with dropping £10,438.78 for two weeks of countryside charm. Over £10,000 of that was spent before she even landed in the UK, courtesy of her first-class flight from LAX to Heathrow. Add in a chauffeur-driven limo (£89.54), petrol for Iris’s Mini Cooper (£72.73), and some festive groceries—including £3.20 on waxed cheddar cheese (we hope it was worth it)—and her bank account was crying louder than her post-breakup tears.

But it wasn’t all indulgence. Amanda also shelled out £80 on dinner with Graham (Jude Law), which seems like a steal considering the man came with two adorable daughters and a heart-melting smile.

Iris, on the other hand, managed to keep her spending modest at £1,506.78. Her economy-class flight to LA set her back £1,013.39—still her priciest ticket item—but she saved on ground transport, opting for a taxi (£164.03) over Amanda’s flashy limo.

That said, Iris wasn’t all penny-pinching. She spent £60 on a first edition of The Message to the Planet by Iris Murdoch for her ex, Jasper, and generously treated Miles (Jack Black) to sushi (£117.59) when his toxic ex rang mid-meal. What’s Christmas without a bit of unnecessary generosity, right?

Adjusted for Inflation

Now, let’s time-travel back to 2006, the year the film debuted. Thanks to inflation, Amanda’s spending shrinks to £5,756.63 and Iris’s to £1,102.70. Still, the trend remains: Amanda is blowing her budget while Iris is living in relative thrift.

In 2006, Amanda’s first-class flight cost £5,570.79, while her cheapest expense was a box of snowman biscuits at £0.66. Iris’s budget highlights? Her £0.17 breakup text to Jasper (worth every penny) and £558.85 for her economy-class flight.

What Does This Tell Us About These Characters?

This festive spending spree highlights Amanda’s penchant for luxury and Iris’s thoughtful generosity. Amanda’s splurges, from her first-class flights to indulgent treats, reflect her high-maintenance lifestyle and desire for comfort. Iris, in contrast, prioritizes meaningful gestures—whether it’s splurging on a rare book for her ex or treating others to meals—proving that her heart is as big as her holiday spirit.

So, what’s the moral here? If you’re planning a life swap this Christmas, maybe take a leaf out of Iris’s book and budget wisely. Or, if you’re feeling flush, channel your inner Amanda and make it a first-class affair. Just remember: no matter how much you spend, nothing beats finding love under the mistletoe—or a charming Surrey snowstorm.

For the record, this deep dive wouldn’t have been possible without the folks at JeffBet.com, who painstakingly calculated the cost of every bottle of wine, brisket, and text message. Now, pass the mince pies—ours cost £2.75, but who’s counting?

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Elena Leo is the Arts & Lifestyle Editor of Ikon London Magazine.