By Aleksandra Vayntraub // SWNS
NEWS COPY w/ VIDEO + INFOGRAPHIC
Nearly half of Americans judge their neighbors for waiting too long to take down their winter holiday decorations, new research suggests.
A recent survey of 2,000 U.S. residents found three-quarters believe others should stow away all of their winter decor before the end of January.
But 54% don’t want to be the first ones on their block to pack up their festive display until next year.
Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Canvaspop, the survey also found that people spend an average of $213 annually on new holiday decor.
Most prep their doors (71%) and windows (70%) to ring in the festivities, but the bulk of their budget goes toward Christmas trees (35%), rather than electric lights (23%) and ornaments (21%).
Although 52% prefer a free-for-all when sprucing up their holiday tree by hanging ornaments wherever there’s room, those with children under the age of four were most likely to be mindful of ornament placement, with each one having its own specific place (46%).
According to respondents, decorating the home leaves them worried about the safety of other household members, with parents of young children citing this as their biggest concern (44%).
And pet owners preferred electric lights (54%) to fake snow (27%) and tinsel (24%), which can more easily be ingested and cause harm to their fur pals.
Holiday headaches aside, half of respondents named themselves the designated decorators, with only 26% delegating to a partner or spouse.
“Safety-proofing one’s home for the holidays is simpler than most people think,” said a Canvaspop spokesperson. “Opt for wall decor that can easily be hung out of reach of children or pets, while being enjoyed by the whole family.”
When it comes to holiday heirlooms, respondents weren’t as cautious, even though seven in 10 said they own a special holiday ornament that they’d be devastated to lose.
Most prefer to hang it on their holiday tree (45%) or display it in their home (41%), rather than leave it in storage (13%).
There’s a similar trend when it comes to holiday family photos, as more people prefer to display them on their walls (61%) than showcase them on their refrigerator (43%), keep them in their wallets (35%) or share virtual albums (32%).
“Our results show holiday photos are a key part of people’s seasonal decor,” the spokesperson added. “The popularity of this choice likely stems from their desire to keep the holiday spirit going in a way that compliments the rest of their furnishings.”
MOST TREASURED HOLIDAY HEIRLOOMS
“A Frosty the Snowman that winds up and plays music.”
“An Elvis ornament.”
“A Christmas toy train.”
“Holiday ornaments made by my mother and mother-in-law.”
“My father made the reindeer and Santa collection. He glued the paper to plywood then cut the decorations out. They are now 57 years old.”
“Baby’s first Christmas ornament.”
“Ornaments my parents had since they were first married.”