IN OTHER NEWS – Over 70% of Georgia parents admit to blaming Santa for the lack of gifts this holiday season.

Release:

With inflation still high, layoffs frequent, and economic anxiety weighing heavy, this holiday season is looking very different for Georgia families. A new study from Refine Packaging reveals how households are being pushed to make difficult choices, not out of preference, but necessity.

Nearly 1 in 8 aren’t celebrating the holidays this year, with the majority citing excessive costs. More than one-third of households with children are also cutting their spending compared to previous years. Here’s the real shocker: 72% of parents are using Santa Clause as a scapegoat for their budget cuts. What was once a season of tradition has become a season of figuring it out.

The study surveyed 1,000 U.S. adults to understand how today’s economic climate is reshaping how—and if—people will celebrate this year. 

Key Takeaways:

• 68% are scaling back their holiday meals due to rising food prices. 
• 1 in 4 are downgrading the quality of their holiday food, and switching to generic store brands. 
• 70% are using AI to plan or shop for the holidays, especially to find deals (68%), and generate gift ideas (65%).
• More than 1 in 3 adults are outsourcing their holiday card messages to ChatGPT.
• 71% feel pressured to spend beyond their means this holiday season.
• Nearly 1 in 5 are going with a holiday potluck meal to save money.
• 3 in 4 are reusing wrapping paper or packaging on their gifts.
• 47% are using AI to help stay on budget this holiday season.
• 35% of families are spending less this year compared to last year.
• 1 in 4 are even downgrading the quality of their holiday food, and switching to generic store brands. 

Check out the full study and findings here: 

With inflation still high, layoffs frequent, and economic anxiety weighing heavy, this holiday season is looking very different for Georgia families. A new study from Refine Packaging reveals how households are being pushed to make difficult choices, not out of preference, but necessity.

Nearly 1 in 8 aren’t celebrating the holidays this year, with the majority citing excessive costs. More than one-third of households with children are also cutting their spending compared to previous years. Here’s the real shocker: 72% of parents are using Santa Clause as a scapegoat for their budget cuts. What was once a season of tradition has become a season of figuring it out.

The study surveyed 1,000 U.S. adults to understand how today’s economic climate is reshaping how—and if—people will celebrate this year. 

Key Takeaways:

• 68% are scaling back their holiday meals due to rising food prices. 
• 1 in 4 are downgrading the quality of their holiday food, and switching to generic store brands. 
• 70% are using AI to plan or shop for the holidays, especially to find deals (68%), and generate gift ideas (65%).
• More than 1 in 3 adults are outsourcing their holiday card messages to ChatGPT.
• 71% feel pressured to spend beyond their means this holiday season.
• Nearly 1 in 5 are going with a holiday potluck meal to save money.
• 3 in 4 are reusing wrapping paper or packaging on their gifts.
• 47% are using AI to help stay on budget this holiday season.
• 35% of families are spending less this year compared to last year.
• 1 in 4 are even downgrading the quality of their holiday food, and switching to generic store brands. 

Check out the full study and findings here: 

https://refinepackaging.com/blog/american-holiday-season-celebration-trends/