As the holiday season approaches, a new survey by the American Christmas Tree Association (ACTA) and conducted by Ipsos, reveals a growing sense of financial anxiety among American consumers. The results highlight that concerns over U.S. tariffs on imported goods are intensifying, with many worried these trade measures could hinder their ability to celebrate Christmas as they traditionally would.
“Holiday celebrations are deeply rooted in tradition, and for many families, artificial trees and imported decorations are central to that experience,” said Jami Warner, Executive Director of ACTA. “This survey makes it clear that Americans are feeling the pinch — and they want to preserve the joy of the season without breaking the bank.”
According to the survey, 61% of respondents expressed concern that tariffs could impact everything from the cost and availability of holiday decorations to the affordability of gifts and seasonal electronics. More than half of Americans (57%) express at least moderate concern that tariffs will increase the overall cost of celebrating the holidays this year. These fears extend beyond isolated items, as more than three-quarters (77%) said they believe that rising prices could negatively influence the holiday season as a whole.
One of the most striking findings is the perceived risk to affordability. Nearly seven in ten Americans (68%) think that if tariffs continue to raise prices, even basic holiday staples may become out of reach for many households. In response, a strong majority (70%) indicated they would have to make changes to their holiday spending habits.
These adjustments include cutting back on overall expenses (46%), purchasing fewer gifts or decorations (41%), or opting for do-it-yourself or alternative gift options (22%) to stay within budget.
Need for policy intervention
More than half (56%) of those surveyed believe that the U.S. government should take action to remove tariffs on essential holiday products, signalling public support for easing trade restrictions to help protect seasonal affordability.
The survey also provides insight into holiday spending patterns, with Americans’ budgets varying widely. A quarter of respondents plan to spend under $250 on the holidays, while others fall into higher spending brackets: $250–499 (24%), $500–999 (23%), $1,000–1,999 (18%), and over $2,000 (7%). These numbers illustrate how deeply potential price hikes could affect households across all income levels, forcing both low- and high-budget consumers to reconsider their traditions.
With the holiday season serving as both an emotional and economic cornerstone for many families, the outcome of these policy decisions may significantly influence how Americans celebrate the most festive time of the year.