New Jersey University Poll Finds We’re Cutting Back but Not on Christmas Cookies
Now, a new poll from Monmouth University in New Jersey shows that Americans are tightening their belts this holiday season thanks to inflation. Holiday spending is in decline. That’s not breaking news for anyone. All you have to do is go to the food store to see that we’re paying a lot more than we did a year ago.
Everyone Spending Less
The poll of more than eight hundred people shows fifty-five percent of Americans plan on spending less on gifts this holiday season. That’s up from forty-six percent who said the same last year and forty percent in 2021.
Every demographic in the study shows that they’re spending less. However, the less money you make, the smaller the amount you’re cutting back. That makes sense with those making under $50 thousand spending a lot less.
Sixty-seven percent of this lower-income group have sliced their spending this year. Just under half, forty-eight percent of those in that group said the same last year in 2022.
Gift Giving Pessimism
Patrick Murray, director of the independent Monmouth University Polling Institute says, “There is greater pessimism on the holiday gift-giving front.”
Murray also shared that “The rate of inflation may be slowing but the damage has been done after a long stretch of rising prices,” He suggests many factors could be putting the pinch on our finances, including people’s post-pandemic spending habits “catching up with them.”
No Cutting of the Cookie Cutting
However, the poll also looked into some tasty positive news. We feel that there is no need to cut back on Christmas activities. Seventy- six percent say they’re participating in the holidays this year. This includes seventy-five percent who say they’re decorating their homes. Sixty-nine percent say they will continue to make Christmas candy, cookies, or desserts.
Favorite Holiday Cookies
With that in mind, what is the cookie that we’re baking most?
Frosted sugar cookies were dubbed the season’s most popular by far, with thirty-two percent of those polled calling them their favorites.
A distant second at twelve percent were gingerbread cookies. Eleven percent picked chocolate chip cookies as their third favorite during the holiday season.
Snickerdoodles came in fourth place, with butter cookies, peanut butter cookies, and chocolate cookies in a three-way tie to round out the top five.
Homemade star-shaped cookies with powdered sugar on a plate with Christmas stars. (Photo by: Natasha Breen/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
The study clearly shows that we are cutting back on many things this holiday season, but cookies are not one of them.
4 Great Christmas Dinner Options For The Whole Family
Lasagna
A large tray of a baked pasta based meal that everyone gets to cut into just feels like a natural option. There’s room here to customize your tray of course. Add meat, make it a veggie, or have one of each. Plus, the red sauce nicely compliments your holiday-themed table setting.
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Filet Mignon
We’ll need to clarify here, your best bet here is a log shaped filet that can be evenly cut into quarter inch – to half inch slices. There’s something festive to carving a meal item in your kitchen, that is freshly cooked. You take pride in hosting and then slicing. You place your sliced filet on that serving platter that is used just once a year, walk it into the dining room and then feel joy when everyone digs in.
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Vegetarian Chili Bar
It’s all about the slow-cooker or crock pot. You can let it warm in the kitchen all day, allowing a sharp aroma to seep into every room the family gathers in. This style is for more of the grab something quick and on-the-go Christmas meal gathering. Perhaps you have people in and out of your house, stopping by for a “cheers” throughout the day. A chili bar never disappoints. Add in your side bowls of shredded cheddar, tortilla crisps, scallions, and sour cream, and you are giving your guests the opportunity to put their own touch on your creation.
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Baked Ham
This is the meal that gives you the option for a fancier sit-down dinner. The ham centerpiece is typically joined by elegant wine glasses and pre-feast toast. Throw some potato side dishes along with an asparagus or string bean casserole, and your living room is now a fine-dining restaurant. This meal allows you to take your time. The next thing you know, it’s dark outside, and you are putting a bow on your enjoyable Christmas night.
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