Over 40% of Americans think it’s OK to put up winter holiday decorations on November 1

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%

Exit mobile version