In the spirit of making really memorable holiday magic, two in three parents are even pulling all-nighters to get it done.
That’s according to a new survey of 2,000 parents of school-aged children that examined the lengths parents will go to make the holidays special, and found 66% have stayed up the entire night in a bid to get everything ready.
Sleep may be at a premium, because the average parent estimates they will be staying up past midnight five times during the holidays putting together all the preparations.
Conducted by Talker Research on behalf of HP, the survey results showed that the holidays this year might be even better than in years past, as three-quarters of parents (77%) feel some pressure to make them merrier.
Hiding their presents around the house or sending the kids on a treasure hunt were two of the fun ways parents have hyped the holiday magic.
Other extreme lengths that some of these parents have gone in order to make the holidays stand out include having someone get on the roof to recreate the sound of Santa’s boots, covering their floors with baby powder to showcase Santa’s footprints, and tying fishing line to their elf doll to make it fly.
When it comes to inspiration, Facebook is the biggest source for parents looking to create holiday magic (37%), followed by TV (34%) and other family members (30%).
And it’s not always easy to be original around excitable youngsters constantly wondering what’s next. Half of parents agreed that Christmas Eve was the toughest winter day to keep their kids entertained.
But, 86% consider festive activities to be “some of the best quality time” they spend with their families all year.
“The holidays can feel overwhelming, but enjoying the little moments with your loved ones is what the winter season is all about,” said Brittany Jepsen who partnered with HP to provide holiday printables.
One-third of parents report they’ve printed out paper crafts to help make memories and entertain their kids, and 42% have printed holiday decorations.
Visit their website to see HP’s free printable holiday activities, like blank coloring pages, gift tags, cards, foldable buildings, and finger puppets.
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“From decorating the house to listening to your favorite holiday playlist together, finding ways to spend time together help build the memories that really matter,” says Jepsen.
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