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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

The study clearly shows that we are cutting back on many things this holiday season, but cookies are not one of them.

Now that the Thanksgiving meal is behind us and we are all still feeling more than stuffed, it's time we shift our focus. To more food! Here, we'll cut into four great dinner options to feed the whole family at Christmas dinner.

Yes, Thanksgiving requires a lot of hours in the kitchen. Prepping a turkey, maybe even frying one, takes some proper attention. Then, to some, the most important part is the sides that go with the main attraction. Again, making these side dishes means cooking up a storm. However, perhaps we underappreciate the art of this meal. For the most part, the menu is designed for us. Furthermore, it is consistent every year. All you have to decide is how much to make based around how many people will be gathered around your table.

Fast forward a month, and it's time to prepare another epic holiday meal. In addition to running around to grab last-minute gifts, if you are hosting a Christmas get-together you have to do a lot of preparing, again.

Here, we are going to break down some options to jump-start your Christmas prep. First, let's set the table on some criteria, and some bust some myths. You certainly do not need to reinvent the wheel and cook up something extraordinarily unique. In fact, it's best to keep it simple. Dozens of classic dishes have already been well-established as delicious to satisfy your family, friends, and guests.

The thought process in suggesting these four Christmas dinner options is that they are proven to be delightful. They can also be prepared in large batches that do not require a tremendous amount of hours in the kitchen. These meals are family-friendly and are sharable. Some of them you may even be able to combine together. Again, this list won't spark an idea that's never been cooked up. Perhaps it just serves as a simple reminder that these Christmas dinner menu items can be straightforward and delicious enough.

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.

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.

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.

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.