The high cost of getting into the holiday spirit
Americans spend nearly $100,000 in their lifetime in the name of holiday spirit, according to new research.
A study examining the average spending of 2,000 Americans approaching the holidays found we’ll typically part with $1,556 in a single festive season preparing for the holidays and getting our homes in shape for the arrival of guests.
Over an average adult lifetime, that equates to an incredible $93,360 spent in the name of celebrating over the holidays.
Broken down over a single festive season, the average American spends $235 on holiday home decor, $375 on holiday gifts, and $645 on other festive hosting essentials.
The study conducted by OnePoll in conjunction with Lowe’s examined the effort and money that goes into making your home holiday ready this season and found 69 percent end up spending more on their home than any other time of year.
Alongside our home spends, we’ll also spend a further $301 on food and drink during a single holiday season – with the average host estimating they entertain 10 people throughout the festive season.
And it’s a big job getting a home ready for the holidays with 62 percent of those surveyed saying there is always a lot of work for them to do around the house.
More than 70 percent of those surveyed revealed that they feel a need to renovate their home prior to their guests’ arrival.
That means that there are specific rooms that Americans renovate prior to having guests over for the holidays. But which rooms get a pre-holiday renovation?
The living room topped the list with 29 percent of those surveyed revealing that was the room most likely to get an update.
A fresh coat of paint is one of the most popular ways to upgrade the home. In fact, 27 percent surveyed plan to paint their house prior to having guests over for the holidays. With the living room in mind, replacing your area rug or buying a new lamp can also give your home a refreshed look.
“If you’re looking to spruce up your living room, Lowe’s can help bring your holiday vision to life at any price point,” said Caroline Harmon, a Lowe’s trend and style expert. “For under $250, you can make your home holiday ready with simple touches like wreaths, garland, throw pillows and trees.”
Other refresh ideas include making the most of your mantle. Brighten your home with string lights. Anchor your holiday fireplace decor with a large element, like a snow-flocked wreath. Maximize your space by buying the tallest and fullest tree that will fit comfortably in the spot you choose, such as a corner by the fireplace.
Other desired room upgrades included the kitchen (22 percent), the guest room (21 percent), the dining room (21 percent), and the guest bathroom (17 percent).
Even with all the preparations Americans plan on doing to impress their guests, three in 10 admitted that they never feel their house is ready for guests.
But that doesn’t mean they don’t care about what their guests think about their home. Results showed that 27 percent of those studied revealed that they are always curious how their guests will react upon stepping foot into their home.
While getting the home ready for the holidays is one thing, getting the right gifts for your close friends and family is another.
When it comes to gift-giving, half (50 percent) of those surveyed revealed that they don’t just intend to purchase gifts for others, but also want to indulge in the holiday spirit by spending on themselves.