So, what are the signs that the season has started? According to a new survey, it’s hearing Christmas music on the radio (20%), seeing or hearing the first Christmas ad (13%), and when it’s dark before 5 p.m. (11%). The survey also found that many people have gotten a head start on the festivities. 61% said they have already started purchasing gifts, 55% have planned the gifts they’re getting, 46% have bought holiday decorations, and 43% have already watched a holiday movie.
Speaking of everything we DON'T love about the holiday season...
Holiday travel … Last year's holiday season was a busy time for travelers, and 2024 is expected to be even busier. According to a new holiday survey by Deloitte, nearly half of Americans plan to travel between Thanksgiving and mid-January. 19% said they plan to visit family or friends, and 30% are planning a stay at a hotel or resort. One of the reasons given for the increased desire to travel this holiday season is people's optimism about their personal financial situations. 46% of people say their finances improved over the past year. Also, more Americans say they are making traveling more of a priority in their lives.
Shopping for a teen for Christmas?
What the kids want … Gift shopping for teenagers this holiday season should be very easy. Just get them video games. A new survey from the Entertainment Software Association finds that 76% of kids between the ages aged 10 to 17 plan to ask Santa for video games this year. It's a slight increase over last year when 72% asked for gaming-related gifts. Gaming consoles are at the top of kids' wish lists with 48% hoping to get a new game system. Meanwhile, 41% say they have some game titles they'd like to unwrap. The survey has some good news for these kids. Parents surveyed said they plan to spend around $312 on gifts this year and video game items are at the top of their lists, followed by money and gift cards, and clothes or electronics.