The holiday season often comes with big plans - carefully mapped-out budgets, wish lists, and travel arrangements...
...but how many of those plans actually stick?
The Ipsos Consumer Tracker asked Americans about their real holiday habits, and the results reveal some interesting trends.
From online shopping to budget battles, here’s a look at how Americans spent their holidays.
Taking Time Off vs. Staying on the Clock
For many, the holidays are a time to relax, but only about one in five Americans (21%) actually took time off work. With busy schedules and year-end responsibilities, extended breaks may not have been an option for everyone.
Travel was another part of the season, with more than one in three (36%) making trips to see friends or family. Clearly, travel remained a big part of holiday traditions for many, regardless of whether it was a road trip to visit relatives or a flight across the country.
Online Shopping Took Over - But Not Without Its Risks
Online shopping has been gaining ground for years, and this past holiday season was no exception when it comes to shopping habits.
Half of Americans (49%) said they did most of their shopping online using convenient payment options.
But with the convenience of doorstep deliveries comes a downside: package theft. One in twenty Americans (5%) experienced stolen deliveries! Plus, those who live in urban areas were twice as likely to have experienced this issue.
Sticking to Budgets vs. Overspending
Holiday shopping often comes with a financial game plan, but not everyone followed through.
While more than one in three (37%) managed to stick to their budget for holiday spending, nearly one in five (18%) admitted to spending more than they originally planned.
Younger adults were especially likely to go overboard, with about one in four (25%) of those aged 18 to 34 reporting that they spent more than intended.
Between last-minute gifts, irresistible deals, and the pressure to make the season special, staying within financial limits proved to be a challenge for many.
What These Holiday Trends Say About Consumer Habits
Shopping habits continue to shift toward digital, which makes online purchases more popular than ever before. Budgeting remains a priority for many, but seasonal spending can still get out of hand. And while travel remains a key part of holiday traditions, fewer people are taking time off from work.
Looking ahead, these trends may shape how Americans approach the next holiday season.
Will more people plan ahead for their spending?
Will online shopping keep growing, or will concerns about package theft change behaviors?
Time will tell.
Share your thoughts, and make sure to participate in Ipsos iSay surveys to have your voice heard. Available surveys can be found on your dashboard after logging in.
The Ipsos research shared in this article has been sourced from: https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/heres-what-americans-actually-did-during-holidays
