The holidays are known for gathering with loved ones and celebrating the end of the year together.
The 2019 holiday season came and went in the blink of an eye, and we’re somehow already halfway through the first month of the year.
Although the holidays are marketed as a cozy and peaceful season, in reality it usually feels far from being a time where life slows down. Between prepping appetizers for big family reunions, shopping for last minute presents and striving to keep up with the daily routine, things tend to get a bit chaotic.
You also have to consider where you physically spend the holiday season. With kids off from school and billable holidays marked on the calendar, nearly half of Americans have travel plans during the holiday season, as reported by CNBC.
It’s no wonder why many of us still feel a little dazed and confused halfway through January. Travel itineraries, to-do lists and the many bills to finance it all pile up and end up taking a toll on our wellbeing. To add context, a survey ran by the American Psychological Association found that 38% of respondents shared their stress levels increase during the holidays with 53% feeling the pressure of finances particularly.
With so much to do and pay for, it’s not a surprise to learn a recent study by Reservations.com found that 27% of Americans take zero days off of work during the holiday season. Considering the stress that comes with holiday spending, it seems reasonable to assume many opt to continue working in order to keep up with the increase of purchases and card swiping.