By Zoya Gervis // SWNS
New York office - 646-873-7565 / usnews@swns.com
NEWS COPY w/ VIDEO & INFOGRAPHIC
When exactly is it appropriate to begin embracing the festive spirit? Forty-three percent of Americans think it’s suitable to put up holiday decorations before Nov. 1, according to new research.
The poll of 2,000 Americans discovered people start their holiday preparations early in the year. In fact, over half (57 percent) of those studied revealed they start their holiday shopping before November 1.
And eight in 10 begin preparing for the holidays well before the autumn leaves begin to change – between January and August.
A study commissioned by Minted examined the holiday spirit and holiday habits of 2,000 Americans, and uncovered that three in 10 have no problem seeing holiday decorations displayed in stores before Halloween or Thanksgiving.
With the festive spirit in full-swing no matter the time of year, the holiday season requires extensive logistical planning. It just so happens that 83 percent of those surveyed have a holiday to-do list, and over half (55 percent) admitted to starting their list before October.
When it comes to procrastination, 21 percent of male respondents wait until December to start their holiday planning, compared to only 14 percent of women.
But what exactly do Americans have on their holiday agenda? When is comes to the number one holiday essential, decorating the home topped the checklist – with 61 percent of those surveyed revealing holiday decorations as a must-do.
However, that wasn’t the only requirement on the docket. Fifty-nine percent listed gift research and shopping while a further 52 percent need to plan out all the baking and cooking that comes with the festive season.
When it comes to purchasing gifts for people, more men than women are getting gifts for their boss and co-workers.
Forty-three percent of men usually purchase a present for their co-workers compared to just 31 percent of women, and 31 percent of men usually get something for the boss as well.
Two in five respondents revealed that taking a holiday card photo is a key element of their holiday to-do list.
“Holiday cards are key signifier of the season and a welcome delight in mailboxes that people look forward to year after year," said a spokesperson for Minted. "At Minted, we’re proud to spread the holiday cheer and celebrate our customers’ most important life moments.”
When it comes to taking the holiday card photo, over half (51 percent) choose a time when the entire family is gathered together – even if that happens to be in the summer.
But who gets included in holiday card photos? According to the data, the list of people to include in a holiday card photo are children (57 percent), parents (54 percent) and extended family (41 percent).
The average American will receive nearly 30 holiday cards a year – which comes out to 1,740 cards in a lifetime.
To get into the holiday spirit, 54 percent say decorating their home is the best way to hype themselves up for the festive season. Another 39 percent say receiving holiday cards in the mail gets them ready for the holidays, while 31 percent reveal sending out their own cards really gets the holiday vibes flowing.
While half of those surveyed (50 percent) listen to holiday music to hype themselves up for the festive season, a further 49 percent watch holiday movies to get themselves ready.
What kicks off the holiday season? According to the survey, nearly half (50 percent) of respondents revealed that seeing holiday decorations in shops marked the official start to the holiday season.
Other key signifiers that the holiday season is upon us include hearing holiday music in shops (47 percent), when you begin to receive emails from retailers about holiday gifts (37 percent) and when you get your first holiday card in the mail (35 percent).
TOP HOLIDAY TO-DO LIST ESSENTIALS
1. Decorate your home 61%
2. Shop for presents 59%
3. Cooking and baking 52%
4. Wrap presents 48%
5. Plan and shop for holiday meals 43%
6. Research gift ideas 42%
7. Travel to visit friends and family 41%
8. Take a holiday card photo 40%
9. Plan a holiday party 38%
10. Attend religious service 37%
TOP 10 WAYS TO GET INTO THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT
1. Decorate the home 54%
2. Listen to holiday music 50%
3. Watch holiday movies 49%
4. Cook and bake 40%
5. Receive holiday cards in the mail 39%
6. Spend quality time with family 38%
7. Enjoy holiday decorations in the neighborhood 36%
8. Enjoy seasonal beverages and dishes 34%
9. Shop for presents at local stores 33%
10. Attend holiday parties 33%
TOP 5 HOLIDAY CARD PHOTOS AMERICANS ENJOY
1. Laughing 51%
2. Matching outfits 48%
3. Candid 39%
4. Silly photos 36%
5. Staged 33%
