There’s no place like home for the holidays, and a new consumer survey from Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC confirmed that the majority of Americans wouldn’t have it any other way. Approximately four in 10 respondents (39 percent) say their holiday get-togethers include 15 or more family members and friends, and more than half (54 percent) say they stay overnight with their families so they can all be in one household during the holidays.
Additionally, the survey of nearly 1,000 people found:
• More than three-quarters (78 percent) of Americans “deck the halls” by decorating their home for the holidays. The vast majority (67 percent) say they decorate some, without going overboard, while 11 percent say they “go all out.” Only 21 percent don’t decorate at all.
• Most people claim they’ve never snooped for presents. 77 percent of respondents said they have never looked for stashed-away presents before it’s time to open them. (Only 23 percent freely admit to peeking around.)
• People gather in spots where they can mingle and graze. When asked which room is most used during the holidays (the kitchen, dining room or living room/den), the kitchen and living room are split almost evenly as the most popular spaces (41 percent and 43 percent, respectively), while 12 percent said the dining room is the most frequented area.
“Almost everyone has a memory of the holidays that involves being home with friends and family,” says Michael Fischer, chief marketing officer, Coldwell Banker Real Estate. “Americans cook and share food, host parties and bring everyone together in our homes.”
For more information, visit www.coldwellbanker.com.
