‘Tis the season to be stressed: Top ways to keep your cool during the holidays

More than a quarter of Americans think the last three months of the year are the most stressful, according to new research.

A survey of 2,000 U.S. respondents found people anticipate feeling 43% more stressed this holiday season than last year.

Men were more likely to say they’re stressed about the holidays than women (73% vs. 66%). And three-quarters of Gen Z said they’re stressed about the season compared to just over half of boomers.

This stress may be why over a quarter of respondents began shopping for this year’s gifts in September.

Their main concerns? Gifts being delivered late or getting lost in the mail (48%) and safety/health around in-person events and shopping (48%).

Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Walgreens, the survey also found that planning still makes a difference, as the respondents who don’t feel ready for the holiday season yet are also the least prepared to stay within their budget (37%) and to handle late or misplaced gift deliveries (28%).

To avoid incurring additional stress this time of year, four in five said they’ll be careful to watch their spending.

Shoppers are also getting creative with last-minute presents; while gift cards were the top pick among all generations, more Gen Zers are going for candy (49%) and greeting cards (44%) compared to those aged 41–56 (28% and 23%).

Respondents also plan to manage their holiday stress by shopping online instead of in person (49%), buying holiday-related food and items ahead of time (47%) and visiting retailers that offer gift cards or discounts on future purchases (46%).

Daily necessities are topping shoppers’ lists of must-buy items; according to those polled, this year, the priority items people are looking to amass in advance of the holidays are personal care and beauty products (37%).

People also expect to stock up on canned goods or frozen meals (36%), health supplements and over-the-counter medications (35%) and candy (35%) before the festivities.

This year, shopping carts will likely be filled with clothing and accessories (39%), candy (36%) and children’s toys (34%) more so than electronics (20%).

The key to shoppers’ confidence may be in having a blueprint for their journey — nearly six in 10 have already made or will make a plan for shopping during this year's festivities.

Convenience is at the forefront of people’s minds, so much so that 57% are more likely to shop via pick-up or delivery this year than last year.

With half of respondents working in a hybrid environment, it’s no surprise that most of those respondents (28%) plan to combine in-person and online shopping.

But having more ways to shop can also lead to more budgeting slip-ups, which is likely why nearly two-thirds keep a closer eye on their credit card balance during the holiday season than any other time of year.

WHAT CAUSES THE MOST HOLIDAY STRESS?

• Gifts being delivered late/getting lost in the mail - 48%
• Safety/health concerns of in-person events and shopping - 48%
• Traffic when shopping/traveling - 43%
• Weather conditions while shopping/traveling - 42%
• Safety/health concerns at family gatherings - 40%
• Bigger crowds when shopping in-person - 39%
• Staying within budget - 25%
• Seeing family/friends for the first time in months - 23%

HOW WILL PEOPLE MANAGE THEIR HOLIDAY STRESS THIS YEAR?

• Shop online instead of in-person - 49%
• Shop early for holiday-related food/items - 47%
• Shop at retailers that offer gift cards or discounts on future purchases - 46%
• Shop for items that are discounted/on sale - 45%
• Decorate the house early - 37%
• Meditate/relax - 32%
• Exercise - 28%
• Focus on my personal nutrition and well-being (e.g. drink more water, cut down on sugar/caffeine, etc.) - 24%