The desire to skip holiday gatherings reflects more than personal preference. It reflects economic, emotional, and social pressures that have reshaped how people experience the season.
Financial and Economic Concerns
Economic pressures are a primary force driving the shift toward staying home.
Financial strain is widespread this year. Americans are slashing their holiday budgets at the highest rate since 2020, and rising costs are pushing many to rethink travel and spending. Inflation, high interest rates, and growing household debt are forcing people to cut back on discretionary expenses, including travel, gifts, and large gatherings.
Travel costs remain a major barrier. Many younger adults say going home for the holidays simply isn’t feasible, which is an issue that became widely discussed in recent years as millennials and Gen Z reported that the financial load of holiday travel outweighed the emotional benefit.
Hosting has also become more expensive. From food prices to decor, the rising cost of hosting is leading fewer Americans to open their homes for gatherings. The mental preparation and labor involved add another deterrent.
Mental Health and Stress
For many, the holidays have always carried emotional weight, but this year’s pressures seem to intensify it.
Performance pressure plays a significant role. Nearly 70% of Americans feel pressure to appear happier than they actually are, particularly millennials and Gen Z.
Burnout is another driver. Many Americans feel overworked and overscheduled, and the holidays offer one of the few opportunities for genuine rest.
Managing family dynamics also adds strain. More than a quarter of Americans say their well-being takes a hit during the holidays due to family conflict, unresolved tension, or emotional triggers.
Family Conflict and Frustration
Gatherings are not always sources of joy. For many Americans, they are sources of conflict.
Nearly half expect heated discussions at holiday events, often driven by political disagreements, family drama, or generational clashes. This was especially true in 2024, when families were gathering during a highly discussed election period. According to a LifeStance survey released in October 2024, 79% of Americans reported experiencing anxiety related to the 2024 U.S. presidential election. Younger adults were particularly affected and were far more likely to experience moderate to significant anxiety.
Shifting Priorities and a Post-Pandemic Mindset
The pandemic permanently reshaped holiday expectations. Large, loud, multi-day gatherings have lost appeal, replaced by more intentional traditions focused on comfort and authenticity.
Many Americans now prefer smaller, more manageable gatherings at home, or they choose to host only those whose presence feels meaningful. Even those who enjoy the holidays are seeking more relaxed, low-pressure ways to celebrate.
Younger Adults Want to Socialize—but Differently
Across the aforementioned research sources, one theme is consistent: younger generations still crave connection, but not the traditional version. The finding reinforces that Gen Z and millennials aren’t rejecting connection; they’re rejecting pressure, obligation and oversized gatherings.
The Bottom Line
The declining interest in holiday gatherings reflects a cultural shift fueled by financial strain, emotional burnout, family complexity, and changing priorities. Americans are tired, overstretched, and increasingly intentional about how they spend their time.
The holidays are still beloved but the way people want to celebrate is changing. Many are choosing rest over obligation, smaller circles over big crowds, and authenticity over performance.
And in 2025, some Americans may view staying home as a way to celebrate on their own terms, based on current survey trends.
This article summarizes survey findings and cultural trends from third-party and LifeStance research. It is intended for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as predictions or guarantees.
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