Thirty-nine percent of Americans said this is their busiest holiday season ever, according to new research.
A survey of 2,000 adults looked at how respondents’ winter social calendars had evolved from the previous year.
Although many are feeling busier than ever, Americans are slowing down compared to past holiday seasons: On average, respondents will attend three gatherings this year, down from five last year.
Those surveyed are also comfortable with this change, as only 36% want to attend more meetings this year, compared to 62% last year.
Regardless of how many events they will attend, two out of three shared that they are excited about the holidays.
Powered by Talker Research for chinet brandThe survey found that one-third of Americans feel like they are waiting longer for the holidays this year (35%).
Looking at where they will actually spend their time, the most popular types of gatherings respondents will attend this year are Thanksgiving dinner (79%), Christmas dinner (73%) and Christmas parties (45%); The attendance in all these events is more than last year.
However, fewer respondents will attend New Year’s parties (36% vs. 54% last year) and Friendsgiving dinner (17% vs. 54% last year).
Of all the gatherings they will attend, those surveyed are most excited about Thanksgiving dinner (49%) and Christmas dinner (38%), which are the same as last year.
When asked which event they would skip if possible, Christmas dinner tops the list in 2023 (22%), but are more willing to skip New Year’s parties in 2024 (12%) .
“Although the types of gatherings people plan to attend may change from year to year, we still focus more on coming together,” said Melissa Rakos, brand manager of Chinet Brands. “It’s clear that, for many people, the holidays are really about spending time with the people they love most, in whatever form that takes.”
The survey also looked at what it means to be a permanent guest.
Nearly a third of those surveyed admitted that they are more aware of waste in their own home than in others’ homes (31%), and only 18% said the opposite; Still, half of respondents expect guests to take this into account in their own home as well (54%).
As holiday guests, respondents are inclined to take only what they need (47%) and limit (44%) the food they throw away.
Others take care to turn off lights in rooms where no one is in (37%) and reduce the time they spend washing hands (15%).
This year, fewer respondents are planning to host guests during the holidays than last year (38% vs. 57%); Still, these hosts are more excited about welcoming more guests (60% vs. 53% last year).
Forty-two percent also admitted that sustainability takes a back seat when they focus on hosting.
And although most people want to inspire their guests to care more about the environment (64%), almost a third suspect they are contributing to waste (29%).
When asked what they want their guests to bring to the party, respondents matched last year’s top choices: food (46%) and drinks (34%).
And this year, one in ten would also like their guests to bring disposable plates to contribute to the gathering this year.
“Hosting the holidays can be very gratifying, but it also takes a lot of hard work,” Rakos said. “Our goal is to help ease that burden, help people focus on spending quality time with guests, and reduce the impact on the environment.”
Survey Method:
Talker Research surveyed 2,000 general population Americans; The survey was commissioned by Chinet Brands and administered by Talker Research and conducted online between October 3 and October 7, 2024.
