Forget old-fashioned pictures of snowy hillsides and big groups of relatives all crammed around a table.  A new survey we did shows that folks have different holiday plans this year, with more people wanting to spend it at home. We asked regular people across the country how they wanted to spend their Christmas holiday this year. Do they still want the usual holiday stuff, like sledging down snowy mountains or escaping to warm island beaches? Or are they over it? Their answers gave us some unexpected facts about how attitudes are changing. The holidays might look different now!

#5. Go someplace snowy; 4.8% of respondents said this. Down Trend. 猬囷笍

The smallest group measured鈥攍ess than 5%鈥攆ulfilled visions from classic holiday tunes by going to faraway, snowy places. Snow lovers and families slide down sledges past frosty trees, then warm up with tasty hot chocolates (and maybe ones with a little kick after kids fall asleep!). But travel blogger Jamie R. notes that the charm wears off for many: 鈥淲hile perfect in movies, real-world winter wonderlands lose their appeal, especially for folks used to warmer weather.鈥 Ski resort owner Vince Z. agrees, saying, 鈥淲e mostly see nearby fans now instead of visitors who have to take a flight to experience snow.鈥 Our researcher says, “While ‘White Christmas’ is nice, folks in warmer places might not love snowy traditions.” Could the high costs of travelling, like where you stay and how you get there, be making snowy getaways less exciting? Bankrate Senior Reporter Alex Gailey notes that inflation impacts Americans, causing them to adjust their travel plans based on their financial situations.

#4. Travel to Someplace Warm: 9.5% of respondents say this. Down Trend 猬囷笍

A smaller group, about one-tenth, decides to escape to warmer winter spots, but it’s not as many as the surveys guessed. Shiny white sand and blue-green waves attract some folks, offering holiday moments that go against the usual tropical expectations.

Patrick H. stuck up for this choice after endless overtime left him completely tired. 鈥淚 just want to relax and unwind somewhere calm,鈥 he explained, picturing palm trees swaying instead of dealing with snow. However, money experts say that higher hotel prices are stopping more people from affording these dreamy trips compared to previous years. This was below our researchers’ predictions. They had thought 20% or more would be doing this.

#3. Go to visit family or friends; 19% of respondents say this. Down Trend 猬囷笍

On the other hand, the same bunch usually confidently packs up to visit faraway family members like they always do. The delicious smells bring back memories as batches of cookies like snickerdoodles or peanut butter blossoms magically appear in grandma鈥檚 kitchen right on time. Uncle Marv, the gingerbread house pro, shows off his famously intricate dessert displays. Teenagers play pranks on cousins with cleverly hidden mistletoe. And Aunt Theresa never fails to make everyone cringe with slightly inappropriate jokes after a few too many eggnogs.
These and some quirky characters keep Christina R. making the journey across state lines every year, even with travel costs going up, just to be with her family. This was also less than what we thought鈥攐nly 30%鈥攂efore the survey. Considering the number of people who have family come to visit, we find this number quite low.

#2. Have a family to come to visit; 28.6% of respondents say this. uptrend. 猬嗭笍

While folks who love staying home may be the trend this year, more than a quarter still have family and friends over to their holiday-ready homes, and they’re expecting guests from different generations. Parents smile as they watch grandchildren tear into carefully chosen gifts under decorated trees, surrounded by delicious smells. Stockings are stuffed with yummy treats as kids excitedly follow Santa’s journey around the world on apps.
Grandma Marcia M. explained the excitement, saying, 鈥淚 can鈥檛 wait for all the noise and commotion when everyone arrives at our house鈥攊t just doesn鈥檛 feel like the holidays without it!鈥 Many others, like Marcia, are getting ready for their holiday crowds, although slightly fewer than in previous years. Travel experts thought that more than 30% would still keep up with these traditions despite the extra chaos in end-of-year plans in recent unpredictable times.

#1. Enjoy Peace at Home; 38.1% of respondents said this. Uptrend. 猬嗭笍

Topping the list with over a third of votes, respondents overwhelmingly prefer enjoying quiet comforts rather than venturing away this Christmas. Seasoned holiday travel predictors had gauged that only 18% would opt to silently nest amid familiar decorations. But aspirations clearly shift as this year individuals spurn hustle and bustle to cocoon in their own holiday havens instead. Melinda T. had initially dreamed of a Hawaiian escape but snarled flight logistics ultimately sunk that idea. 鈥淣ow snuggling by my Christmas tree with hot cocoa seems much better,鈥 she admitted. Others too have revised visions of holidays past, today favouring home-cooked traditions and connecting only with those they hold dear. Unhurried mornings, lingering meals, fireside activities, and festive films fill their days as fresh customs crystallise.

Here’s what we learned:

More people are choosing peace over big trips: Turns out, staying home and relaxing with loved ones is sounding pretty good to a lot of folks. Maybe it’s the high cost of travel, or maybe we’re all just craving some peace.

Warm weather still has its fans: Not everyone wants to trade snow for sun, but there are still plenty of people who are booking tropical getaways. Who can blame them? Who wouldn’t want to escape the winter blues?

Travel costs are making people think twice: Holiday travel can be expensive, and it seems that some people are rethinking their plans because of it. Maybe we’ll see more affordable travel options in the future.

Overall, it seems like we’re all looking for different things out of our holidays. Whether it’s saving money, escaping the cold, or simply staying home with loved ones, there’s no right or wrong way to do it. The most important thing is to make memories and enjoy the time with the people we care about.

Planning a trip to Paris ? Get ready !


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