What’s in demand, and when

People and small businesses file returns before the deadline: accountants, tax preparers and bookkeepers get busiest, often at the last minute.

Most weddings happen in a few months: venues, catering, photography, attire, flowers, cakes and rentals book up months ahead.

Costumes, candy, decorations and parties: spending builds through October and stops dead on the 31st.

“The race that stops a nation” (first Tuesday of November): office parties, fashion, millinery and catering peak.

India’s biggest festival and shopping season: gold, sweets, clothes, electronics, home decor and gifts — and Dhanteras, two days before, is a traditional day to buy gold and new things.

Christmas falls in summer: beach holidays, outdoor parties, seafood and barbecues — and the Boxing Day sales start the next day.

The biggest discount weekend: shoppers buy holiday gifts and big-ticket items, online and in store. Customers compare prices hard.

Holidays and good weather: travel, outdoor activities, ice cream, drinks and events rise; some office services slow down.

Post-Christmas sales and gift-card spending: shoppers return and buy discounted stock.

Parties, dinners and countdown events push one night of very high demand for venues, food, drinks and entertainment.

People start the year with goals — fitness, money, learning — so sign-ups and first purchases cluster in January.

The Australian school year starts in late January / early February, after the summer holidays.

China’s biggest holiday: hundreds of millions travel home, gifts and feasts peak — and most factories close for weeks, which matters to anyone importing from China.

A month of fasting: daytime trade slows, evenings get busy (iftar meals, family gatherings), food shopping and charity rise, and spending builds toward Eid.

Gifts and evenings out for partners: flowers, jewellery, chocolate and restaurant tables peak in the days before 14 February.

The celebration ending Ramadan: new clothes, gifts, family meals and travel, with the busiest shopping in the last week of Ramadan.

A long weekend in many countries: chocolate, baking, family meals, church events and short trips.

Gifts, flowers and meals out for mothers — one of the busiest days of the year for restaurants and florists.

The Feast of the Sacrifice: livestock and meat demand peaks, with family gatherings, travel and new clothes.

Australia’s financial year ends on 30 June: businesses buy equipment before the deadline and retailers run EOFY sales.

Gifts and outings for fathers: grilling, tools, electronics, grooming and meals out.

China’s National Day week: record domestic travel and spending, while many factories and offices close or slow down for the week.

The defending champions’ matches drive pub and sports-bar crowds, and travel to southern Africa.