Sleigh it ain’t so!
Shopping centers are the “grinchiest” places of them all during the holidays, according to nearly two-thirds of Americans.
Some 64% of 2,000 adults believe malls and shopping centers induce the most stress during the winter months, with airports (59%) and the post office (58%) rounding out the Top 3. Crowds, long lines and noise were among the most aggravating pet peeves at these stressful locations.
Social media platforms are also causing stress this holiday season, with Facebook leading the pack.
Nearly half of respondents say they feel overwhelmed by shopping ads and insensitive or negative content being posted online during the holiday season.
Another potential source of holiday stress? Overplayed songs. “Jingle Bells” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” tied in this category at 25%, while “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” was among the least overplayed (17%).
On the flip side, the survey found that getting a surprise sale or discount (45%); receiving an unexpected gift (43%); or enjoying a hot cup of coffee (39%) can transform a “grinchy” spot into a “joyful” one.
Survey respondents shared that “home cooking,” “a holiday card,” “a raise,” “family and friends” and “people being kind to one another” could also make their holiday months more delightful.
Another way to spice up the winter holidays could be with actual spices. Chocolate emerged as the winner among flavors that bring people the most joy this season (41%); followed by vanilla (35%); gingerbread (34%) and peppermint mocha (33%).
MOST OVERPLAYED HOLIDAY SONGS
- “Jingle Bells” — 25%
- “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” — 25%
- “It’s Beginning To Look a Lot Like Christmas” — 23%
- “Jingle Bell Rock” — 23%
- “All I Want for Christmas Is You” — 22%
- “Feliz Navidad” — 21%
- “Santa Baby” — 19%
- “Last Christmas” — 18%
- “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” — 17%
- “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” — 17%
- “Winter Wonderland” — 16%
- “The Chanukah Song” — 15%
TOP WAYS TO MAKE THE HOLIDAYS MORE DELIGHTFUL
- People being kind to one another
- A holiday card
- The smell of Christmas
- A little snow wouldn’t hurt
- For everyone to slow down and enjoy the holiday
- More free time to myself
- Eating delicious delicacies
The survey was conducted in October by OnePoll on behalf of International Delight, following the launch of its line of limited-edition Grinch-themed coffee creamers in partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises.
“Despite the excitement of the holidays, the crowds, long lines and noise can make what is meant to be the most cheerful time of year feel ‘grinchy’!” Kallie Goodwin, vice president of marketing for International Delight, said in a statement.
“We’re on an endless mission to spread joy and celebration. To bring a little more delight to your holiday season, I recommend adding your favorite festive creamer to a hot cup of coffee. Oftentimes, it’s the simple things that can make people’s hearts grow three sizes.”