Nearly half of Americans are experiencing boredom with their traditional holiday celebrations and plan to introduce secret twists this year, according to a new survey. Research commissioned by Range Outdoor Living and conducted by Talker Research found that 44% of respondents feel their typical holiday celebrations have become uninspired.
To combat this, two-thirds of Americans are planning some form of change for the upcoming holiday season. The most common adjustments involve altering traditional holiday menus, with 29% of respondents intending to do so. Another 18% plan to change their holiday decorations entirely, while 15% are considering celebrating in a new location.
The survey of 2,000 American homeowners with backyards also highlighted a desire for more social gatherings, with 60% hoping to be more social this season. A strong majority, 63%, want their homes to be the central hub for these events.
Outdoor celebrations are also gaining traction. Nearly half of those who have hosted holiday parties have done so outdoors, and 36% plan to take their festivities outside this year. To enhance these outdoor gatherings, 62% of respondents want to decorate more elaborately than usual, with an average willingness to invest $794 in making their backyards "holiday-ready."
While food is a priority for 35% of hosts, the overall "vibe" is almost equally important to 33%. More relaxed atmospheres and the ability for guests to move freely between indoor and outdoor spaces are key elements for making an outdoor holiday event feel special. Cody Fox, CEO of Backyard Discovery, noted that extending entertaining spaces into the backyard can reduce stress for hosts and provide more room for guests to enjoy themselves.
Hosts typically spend nine hours on activities like cleaning, cooking, and decorating on the day of a party, often starting by 8 a.m. Many aim to have guests arrive earlier, around 2:30 p.m., to maximize time together. To acknowledge their efforts, 87% of hosts hope guests will notice the smaller details of their preparations.
The survey also touched on year-round outdoor living, with 58% of respondents wanting their home to be guest-ready throughout the year. Although 65% of people feel their climate allows for comfortable outdoor winter activities, 40% do not fully utilize their yards during colder months. Fox suggests that viewing the backyard as an extension of living space, regardless of the season, offers greater flexibility for entertaining.