(Photo by Tuur Tisseghem from Pexels)
NEW YORK — What’s the “grinchiest” place of all during the holidays? Two-thirds of Americans say it’s your local shopping mall!
A panel of 2,000 U.S. adults revealed 64 percent think malls and shopping centers induce the most stress during the winter months, with airports (59%) and the post office (58%) rounding out the top three. Crowds (60%), long lines (53%), and noise (52%) are among people’s top pet peeves at these stressful locations.
Unfortunately, “grinchy” places also exist online. Stress-inducing social media platforms are Facebook (43%), Instagram (40%), and TikTok (36%).
Nearly half of respondents (48%) 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” (25%) and “We Wish You A Merry Christmas” (25%) tied in this category, while “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” was among the least overplayed holiday tunes (17%).
Holiday sales can turn that frown upside-down
Conducted 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, the survey also discovered getting a surprise sale or discount (45%), receiving an unexpected gift (43%), or enjoying a hot cup of coffee (39%) can take a place from “grinchy” to “joyful.”
Survey respondents also shared that “home cooking,” “a holiday card,” “a raise,” “family and friends,” and “people being kind to one another” could make their holiday months more delightful.
Another way to spice up the winter holidays may be literal. 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%).
“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’!” says Kallie Goodwin, Vice President of Marketing for International Delight, 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.”
Survey methodology:
This random double-opt-in survey of 2,005 general population Americans was commissioned by International Delight between October 10 and October 17, 2022. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).
