Family, Religion and Gift Giving During The Holiday Season - Persuadable Research Corporation

If you are spending time with family during the holidays, you are not alone. Most respondents, 60%, from a recent Holiday Survey conducted by Persuadable Research will spend time with only their families. While others may be spending time with friends, co-workers, or even alone, 94% of those surveyed are happy with the arrangements they’ve made. In fact, panelists were asked if they would prefer to avoid family celebrations, but the majority, 84%, said no.

Religion is also playing a bigger role in celebrations this year. Almost one-third, 32%, confirmed that religious celebrations are more important to them this year than last. In fact, 47% intend to go to church or engage in other religious ceremonies this season. Over half, 52%, have a favorite family or friend related tradition that they will practice. One panelist said that “Spending a lot of time together, going to church as a family, baking with everyone, helping frost cookies and such, and then a huge dinner” is what they look forward to doing. Overall, religion will play some role in holiday celebrations for 69% of panelists. Only 26% will be doing anything different from last year.

More than half of panelists, 57%, stay home to celebrate, while 26% will travel locally. A smaller percentage, 17%, will travel a distance for the celebrations.

Gift giving is extremely important to 23% of respondents. For 15%, gift giving is not important at all or not very important. It appears that 11% will not be buying gifts this year; the main reason is lack of money. Interestingly, extended family and friends had the same chance of receiving a gift as 47% indicated that they would be purchasing gifts for these groups. Others will give co-workers gifts, 16%, and 11% of respondents indicated that they would be giving teachers gifts. Additionally, 12% will give to charities. According to the survey, 8% of panelists will give their boss a gift, which is equal to the number that will give their mailman a gift.

Holiday celebrations are alive and well among families across the United States. Baking, gift giving and going to church are among some of the more popular activities.