New Yorkers Share Their 'Season of Giving' Plans and Holiday Shopping Habits

Defining the Season of Giving

• 💡 The "season of giving" is interpreted by New Yorkers as thinking about others beyond oneself and being generous.
• 🎯 It's seen as an opportunity to open one's eyes to the greater world, provide for those less fortunate, and show compassion.
• 🔑 Some emphasize that this consideration for others should be a daily practice, not just seasonal.
• ❤️ The sentiment is that giving should come from the heart, not just the pocket.

Holiday Spending and Shopping Habits

• 💰 Most New Yorkers plan to spend about the same amount as previous years, shopping for the usual recipients.
• 📈 A few intend to increase spending, particularly for young family members like a new great-granddaughter, while others plan for more donations emotionally rather than financially.
• ⏰ Shoppers are divided between being early shoppers, last-minute shoppers (often for better deals), and those who shop in between.

Challenges in Gift Shopping

• 🎁 The hardest person to shop for is frequently cited as a mother, due to their own generosity or the difficulty of matching their giving.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Parents are also challenging recipients because they often buy what they want themselves.
• 🤷‍♀️ Some find it difficult to shop for adult children or spouses who are particular about gifts.

Personal Wish Lists

• ✨ Personal wishes often center on joy, being with family, and vacations.
• 💖 Deeper desires include peace, love, and understanding, with a specific hope for world peace and good health for everyone.