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Understanding the Shift in Holiday Preferences

As we approach the holiday season of 2026, insights from the recent Michaels State of the Holiday Season Report conducted by Morning Consult shed light on a significant trend amongst consumers. With a growing desire for personal connections and a reduction in screen time, families are reinventing how they celebrate the holidays.

Screen-Free Activities Taking Center Stage

The report highlights that a striking 80% of parents are actively seeking out screen-free holiday activities. This reflects a nationwide fatigue from excessive screen time, as over half (56%) of respondents express feeling overwhelmed by the hours spent on devices. Interestingly, younger generations, particularly Gen Z, showcase a similar sentiment with 73% desiring hands-on, unplugged experiences. This shift indicates a collective yearning for meaningful engagement, particularly during the festivities.

The Value of Handmade Gifts

Moreover, the survey uncovered that nearly 8 in 10 consumers (78%) place equal or greater value on a $25 handmade gift compared to a $100 store-bought alternative. This emphasis on personal touch goes beyond mere spending; it speaks volumes about what the holiday spirit means today. Many respondents (61%) are inclined to give a DIY or handmade present this year, advocating for more thoughtfulness and sentiment rather than materialism.

Reducing Commercialism

The report also reveals a desire among nearly 65% of participants for a less commercialized holiday. Most families report having an overwhelming surplus of items, with 54% admitting they already own more than they truly need. In light of this, a significant number of consumers are pursuing creative solutions to make their holidays more meaningful and less about consumerism.

Getting a Head Start

Starting holiday preparations earlier is becoming common, driven by the anxiety surrounding December. In fact, 60% of holiday celebrants anticipate December's stress and thus opt to start shopping as early as October. This proactive approach allows families to ease the burden of holiday spending and planning, leading to a more enjoyable experience overall.

Crafting a Unique Holiday Style

Among younger generations, there is also a notable trend in holiday décor preferences. Millennials (36%) and Gen Z (34%) are leading the charge in embracing eclectic and maximalist styles, a stark contrast to the more traditional tastes of Baby Boomers (only 6% trendy towards such styles). This preference for personalization further drives the importance of crafting a unique holiday atmosphere reflective of individual tastes.

Michaels®: Your Partner in Holiday Creativity

In response to these findings, Michaels is committed to supporting families in their quest for creativity and personal connection this holiday season.

1. Unplug and Create: With thousands of DIY projects starting as low as $2.99, Michaels provides numerous options for those wanting to engage in holiday crafts. From personalized ornaments to seasonal coloring options, families can craft while reducing screen time.

2. A Head Start on Decor: Michaels has ensured that holiday supplies like artificial trees and decorative accents are available well ahead of time so that families can avoid the last-minute rush.

3. Meaningful Gifting: Offering custom framing and DIY gifting supplies at affordable prices encourages consumers to give thoughtful, personalized gifts.

4. Exclusive Collections for Every Style: Michaels boasts four unique décor collections. This allows every family the opportunity to express their personality through holiday decorations while sticking to their budget.

Conclusion

As people continue to prioritize connections over consumer culture, it's clear that the coming holidays will showcase creativity, meaning, and personal touch. With support from Michaels, families can overcome holiday stress and cultivate meaningful experiences this season. For those looking to explore project ideas or upcoming events, visit Michaels.com and start planning your holiday respite today!