In the West, they began to prepare for the main winter holiday: how they will celebrate Christmas – 2023

Christmas all over the world is a time of miracles and magic. In Western Christianity, it is preceded by a certain preparatory stage – Advent, during which a special mood is created and almost ritual actions are performed. Three in five millennials and 41% of Gen Zers in the U.S. said they want the best holiday decor in their area, according to a new survey.

The survey showed that out of 2 thousand respondents of generation Z (that is, those born from approximately 1997 to 2012) and millennials (those born in 1984-2000), a third prefer classic, traditional decor for Christmas – a lot of red and green or blue and silver, twenty percent are white shades, while only 14 percent want to use fashionable art decor to decorate their home.

In addition, the survey also explored the topic of gifts. For many, it’s important that gifts fit the bill, and more than half are willing to spend at least $100 on packaging to match the aesthetic.

The study, conducted by OnePoll and commissioned by decor retailer Michaels, also looked at the holiday traditions young Americans follow and share with others.

Both Millennials and Generation Z prefer to maintain traditions such as watching their favorite holiday movies and baking.

Let us remind you that Christmas baking is given greater importance during Advent. According to traditions in Western Christendom, 12 different types of cookies must be baked in preparation for Christmas. The most interesting thing is that you are not supposed to eat it, but “store it” until the holidays, and then enjoy the cookies. At the same time, it is often given to each other as a gift.

Cookie sharing is becoming increasingly popular among Generation Z, and some millennials surveyed also plan to participate in the event. Also, nearly 80 percent of respondents reported that this is the first year since the pandemic that they felt comfortable during the entire holiday weeks.

Western Advent is the joyful period of anticipation for Christmas, which traditionally begins on the fourth Sunday before the holiday. This year, Advent begins on December 3. Each Sunday, 1 candle is lit on the so-called Advent wreath. The candle is not allowed to burn out completely, and each time another one is added to the already lit ones. They symbolize Love, Hope, Faith and Peace. The last candle is also called the angel candle.

Another very popular holiday tradition is putting up a Christmas tree during the holidays. Nearly half actually prefer an artificial tree over a real one, and 40 percent have more than one tree in their homes.

Americans are very fond of not only Christmas trees, but also spruce wreaths and garlands made from the paws of coniferous trees, which cover both staircase railings and porch columns. All decorations are necessarily illuminated, which adds a festive mood.

In general, the results of the study make it clear that respondents adhere to the same holiday traditions for most of their lives, and see this as maintaining traditional cultural and family values, although many are ready to create new traditions, for example, those that come through social media.

The survey also aimed to find out what percentage of merchandise is homemade gifts during the holidays.

Four in 10 say handmade gifts are the most enjoyable to give or receive during the holidays. One in four millennials also prefer to receive handmade gifts during the holidays.

Plus, the survey found that more than half plan to DIY gifts and decor this year to save money. Although less than half often or almost always decorate their homes with their own decorations.

Most of the parents surveyed said that they like their children to decorate the house for the holidays by making paper snowflakes. This also has a great psychological effect – this is how the family creates its own traditions, children spend more time with adults, and their mood improves and a certain cultural code is laid not just on the scale of the nation, but also in their own “unit of society.”

Of course, life is changing, becoming more dynamic, and paper snowflakes alone cannot do it. “Younger generations continue to bring something special to the holidays, creating memories through traditions new and old,” said Mandy Clark, Michaels’ lead trend and design expert, following the survey results. She added that “everything from decorating your home to baking homemade holiday treats to getting creative with gift wrapping for loved ones plays a role in making the holidays memorable.”