How much family time can you take during the holidays? Well, according to a new study commissioned by Motel 6, not too long.
Over 2,000 Americans were surveyed asking about their holiday season traditions, travel and visits with loved ones. The findings showed that it only takes 3 hours and 54 minutes of socializing with extended family for the average American to start looking for some peace and quiet.
“It’s not just family dynamics causing stress. No matter how you travel, the experience itself can be a source of anxiety for many,” Rob Palleschi, chief executive officer of Motel 6, commented of the findings, per South West News Service (SWNS.)
Despite that, almost one-third (30 percent) of respondents believe they would enjoy the holiday season more if their family wasn’t all under the same roof, and the same number (30 percent) say their family would actually get along better if they had some space.
One in four of those surveyed has hidden in a relative’s house to take a moment alone, while 37 percent have gone so far as to make an excuse and leave the house altogether. Ninety-five percent of respondents believe it’s important to spend the holidays with family, and two in five of those planning to stay with family admit that it can be a stressful experience.
The top reasons respondents stay with family are because it allows them to spend quality time together (60 percent), they enjoy it (53 percent) and because it’s cheaper/convenient (47 percent).
Cheaper and convenient can also cause some issues that contribute to a high-stress visit. Participants explained that an average of two people will ultimately be forced to sleep on something besides a proper bed during this year’s holiday celebrations.
More broadly, opinion was mixed regarding the biggest woes inherent to sleeping over at family members’ homes. Twenty-two percent of respondents said they were anxious about “a lack of privacy,” while 20 percent fretted about family members eventually getting on their “nerves.” In addition, 19 percent of people worried that their presence was “imposing” in the first place, and 18 percent hoped the house wouldn’t be “too loud or busy.”
“It’s not just family dynamics causing stress. No matter how you travel, the experience itself can be a source of anxiety for many,” said Palleschi. “We want to keep your holidays stress-free, and your sleeping arrangements couch-free. Stop in for a clean, comfortable and affordable hotel nearby so you can be rested and ready to make memories.”
The study was recently commissioned by Motel 6 and conducted by marketing research company OnePoll.
MOST STRESSFUL ASPECTS OF HOSTING FAMILY DURING THE HOLIDAYS
MEN WOMEN
Cleaning 37% 51%
Sleeping arrangements 38% 37%
Menu creation 31% 37%
Making sure everyone is getting along/having fun 28% 32%
Finding some alone time 16% 18%
Do you feel this survey hits the mark, or do you relish in the time spent with family during the holidays?
