A NEW study has revealed that the average American will look forward to alone time during the holidays only hours after spending it with loved ones.

Through a survey of over 2,000 US residents conducted by One Poll, shocking data showed that adults crave solitude four hours after the start of any holiday gathering.

At least 19% of respondents said that the desire to be alone comes even sooner, as after only one to two hours, their social batteries have run out.

The results weren’t only for Christmas, either, but for several holidays throughout the winter season.

According to the data, 70% of Americans celebrate Christmas Day, while 65% said Christmas Eve and 62% noted Thanksgiving as a prominent day of celebration.

Each of those holidays will also be celebrated by most in the survey on at least two separate occasions.

Other holidays came in at lower percentages, including New Year’s Eve at 33%, Kwanzaa at 32%, and New Year’s and Friendsgiving tied for 30%.

Of those respondents, they celebrate both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day twice, Friendsgiving twice and Kwanzaa thrice, bringing Americans’ yearly holiday celebration total to more than 10.

Results also showed that more than four in five of respondents plan to travel for at least some holidays this year.

In fact, 52% are traveling more than last year, and only 10% of respondents aren’t planning to travel at all this season.

This may be because nearly nine in 10 say the joy of traveling to be with friends and family during the holidays outweighs the challenges of travel.

Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Motel 6, the survey aimed to uncover how Americans are celebrating the upcoming holiday season — whether it be away from home, with family, or for some much-needed R&R.

Respondents are planning to get to their holiday destinations by plane (63%), train (53%), driving (48%), walking (41%), or rideshares like an Uber or taxi (39%).

When it comes to lodging, most respondents are staying with either their siblings (51%) or at their parents’ house (51%).

Almost two in five are planning to stay in a hotel with others, and 26% are staying in one alone.

Read Related Also: 'Jimmy Tarbuck was driving like a madman!': New footage shows hit-and-run comic smashing into SECOND car as owner says star 'got off very lightly' and reveals she had to fork out £7,000 on repairs

Additionally, 60% plan to take their furry friends along for their holiday journeys this year, up from 22% in a 2022 survey that polled the same demographic.

While 55% are planning to celebrate the holidays on the day itself, the same percentage are also looking at the days leading up to the holiday and even a few days after (49%).

Of those who are choosing to celebrate on a different day, the most common reasons for this are to accommodate everyone’s schedules (52%), save money (48%), celebrate with both sides of the family (47%), and even to celebrate with friends first and then with family (39%).

“The number of holiday occasions seems to be higher than ever before, so it’s no surprise Americans are planning to hit the road more than last year for their holiday celebrations,” said Julie Arrowsmith, President and CEO of economy lodging brands Motel 6 and Studio 6.

“And despite the hustle, bustle, and travel of the holiday season, it’s always memorable to spend time and make new memories with loved ones near and far.”

This year, 83% of respondents say that the current economic climate will impact how they celebrate the holidays.

For many, this means reducing the number of gifts they’re giving (65%), changing their approach to gifting (56%) and finding more affordable lodging (55%).

But that doesn’t mean respondents aren’t looking forward to gifts. This year, they’re hoping to receive electronics (66%), experiences like concerts or sporting events (57%), clothing and accessories (56%), and even cash or money (47%).

In fact, 66% of respondents would appreciate a cash gift now more than they did when they were a child.

 If given $500 cash or check as a holiday gift, many respondents would use it for an experience (59%).

“The holidays are meant to prioritize time together, so don’t let travel, costs, or logistics get in the way of your gatherings,” added Arrowsmith.

“Opting for budget-friendly lodging is a great way to keep expenses minimal so that travelers can focus on time with friends and family and worry less about travel costs.”

This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 general population Americans who celebrate a winter holiday was commissioned by Motel 6 between September 25 and September 27, 2023.

It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).