Michaels State of the Holiday Season Report: Consumers want less screen time and more meaning
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The 2026 Michaels State of the Holiday Season Report conducted by Morning Consult, eight in 10 parents (80%) are seeking screen-free, hands-on holiday activities, and nearly 8 in 10 consumers who celebrate (78%) say a $25 handmade gift means as much as or more than a $100 store-bought one.
The national survey of 2,502 U.S. adults also reveals that nearly two-thirds (65%) want a less commercial holiday season, while 66% say hands-on activities make the season more meaningful. More than half (54%) say their household already has more stuff than it needs, and 61% are looking for screen-free holiday activities.
“Families are heading into December feeling stretched, both on time and on budget,” said Heather Bennett, President and Chief Customer Officer at Michaels. “This report shows that many are responding by starting earlier and choosing what feels personal over what’s pricey. At Michaels, we’re making that easier, with inspiration to get started, affordable gifts and projects they can make or personalize, and in-store events where families and friends can unplug, get together, and create.”
Four Trends Shaping the Season
Screen-Free Connection
Parents are feeling screen fatigue most: more than half (56%) say they’re worn out by the time they spend on screens, and half (50%) plan to do more screen-free activities than last year. Gen Z, the first generation to grow up with smartphones, isn’t far behind. Nearly three-quarters (73%) are looking for screen-free, hands-on activities to do at home, and 46% plan to do more than last year. Many are setting boundaries, too: 69% of Gen Z and 72% of Millennials plan to set screen-free rules or try to unplug informally during the holidays.
A Holiday Headstart
For many households, December stress is pushing the season earlier. Six in 10 of those who celebrate (60%) expect December to be stressful, and among them, the top concerns are spending more than they can afford (49%) and finding the right gifts (47%). So they’re starting sooner: more than one-third (36%) begin buying gifts before November, including 19% who start in October, while 29% begin crafting and nearly a quarter (24%) begin decorating before November.
Among early starters, 53% say they do it to reduce December stress and 49% to spread spending across multiple paychecks.
Meaning Over Materialism
When it comes to what makes the holidays special, presence matters more than presents. Among those who celebrate, spending time with family and friends is the No. 1 source of holiday joy (48%), while receiving gifts ranks near the bottom (18%). More than half of adults (54%) also say their household has more stuff than it needs.
That mindset carries into gifting. Six in 10 (61%) say they’re likely to give a handmade or DIY gift this season, and 60% say personal sentiment matters more than price when choosing a gift.
The Next Gen Décor Divide
Younger generations are turning holiday décor into a form of self-expression. Among those who celebrate, Millennials (36%) and Gen Z (34%) are nearly six times as likely as Baby Boomers (6%) to embrace playful, eclectic, and maximalist or moody, dramatic and glamorous holiday styles. Classic and natural looks stay popular across generations, with about half of Gen Z, Millennials and Gen X leaning that way.
Millennials and Gen Z are also getting into the spirit sooner. About one-third (34% and 32%, respectively) begin decorating before November, compared with 11% of Boomers.
