Filled With Holiday Cheer, Semi-Festive Attitude of Gratitude, or Grinch Mode? Insights From an Atypical Holiday Season

With the December holidays sandwiched between another pandemic surge in the US, were gatherings and festivities reimagined? Our recent post-holidays survey of 1,203 Americans reveals that 42% decided not to travel to see family over the holidays and 31% opted not to see anyone outside of their household (most common among Boomers). In line with our pre-holiday research, those in the Western region were most apt to confirm in January that they indeed passed on holiday travel. Additionally, four-in-ten pared back/downsized their holiday celebrations. At lower levels, 17% celebrated the same as years past and did not alter their festivities (most common in the Southeast).

Also of note, one-in-three had at least one gift arrive late; perhaps scrambling to reconfigure holiday plans took precedence over getting a head start on shopping.

While the actual festivities looked different for most, did the season bring the warmth and rejuvenation of years past? Over half (55%) disagree that “this holiday season felt as joyful as previous years,” with females most critical in this regard. Additionally, less than half (47%) agree that they felt rested and refreshed after the holidays.

If there’s a silver lining to come from a holiday season during a pandemic, the strong majority felt more grateful for the health of their loved ones this holiday season (84%).

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