Egg nog remains a favourite beverage in every Canadian region, with the exception of Quebec.
Vancouver, BC [December 13, 2023] – Most Canadians do not plan to splurge excessively as the year draws to a close, a new Research Co. poll has found.
In the online survey of a representative national sample, almost half of Canadians (47%) say they will not personally spend more than $500 on gifts, food and decorations during this holiday season.
“Just over two-in-five Canadians (42%) say their expected expenditures during the holiday season will be higher than $500,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportion climbs to 49% in British Columbia and to 58% in Atlantic Canada.”
More than three-in-five Canadians (63%) say they will be spending about the same amount on gifts, food and decorations as they did in 2022. Just under one-in-four (23%) plan to spend less than last year, while 13% expect to spend more.
Across the country, 56% of Canadians expect this year’s holiday season to be “more fun than stressful”, up four points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in December 2022.
More than a quarter of Canadians (27%) believe this year’s holiday season will be “more stressful than fun”—including 32% of residents of Saskatchewan and Manitoba and 29% of Ontarians.
More than three-in-five Canadians (61%, -3) select “Merry Christmas” as their preferred greeting for the season, while 21% (=) choose “Happy Holidays” and 18% (+3) are not sure or do not care either way.
Almost three-in-ten Canadians aged 18-to-34 (28%) prefer “Happy Holidays” as a greeting. The proportions are lower among their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (22%) aged 55 and over (13%).
As was the case in 2022, three traditional dishes of the season remain popular across the country. More than four-in-five Canadians (83%, -1) like turkey, while majorities also enjoy cranberry sauce (65%, +1) and Brussels sprouts (60%, =).
Almost three-in-five Canadians (58%, +3) like fruit cake, while the rating is lower for mince pies (50%, +2) and plum pudding (47%, -5). Egg nog (56%, +1) is a more popular holiday beverage than mulled wine (37%, +1).
In Quebec, only 41% of residents like egg nog. Preferences are significantly higher in Ontario (56%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (also 56%), Atlantic Canada (61%), British Columbia (65%) and Alberta (67%).
Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from December 1 to December 3, 2023, among 1,000 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region. The margin of error – which measures sample variability – is +/- 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
Find our data tables here and download the press release here.
For more information on this poll, please contact:
Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca