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

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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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