The holiday season is getting a rethink. Less pressure to impress, more reasons to gather.
The perfect holiday used to look like a beautifully decorated house, an overflowing table, and a gift for everyone. But this year, a growing number of consumers seem more interested in something simpler: time together.
According to the 2026 Michaels State of the Holiday Season Report, conducted by Morning Consult, nearly two-thirds of respondents want a less commercial holiday season. And 66% believe hands-on activities make the holidays more meaningful.
The shift isn't necessarily away from beautiful things. It's away from the idea that beautiful celebrations have to be expensive or elaborate.
Is Holiday Hosting Becoming More Intimate?
Think fewer guests, a carefully considered menu, and an evening that doesn't feel like a production.
Instead of an elaborate dinner for twenty, imagine six friends around a table, homemade pasta, a good playlist, and candles you've already owned for years.
The appeal is less about minimalism and more about intention.
And this is where the idea of hosting changes: a memorable evening doesn't need an impressive budget. It needs people who feel welcome.
What Are People Choosing Instead of More Gifts?
The Michaels survey found that 54% of adults feel their households already have more possessions than they need.
That helps explain the renewed interest in handmade gifts, personal traditions, and experiences.
A framed photograph, a favorite family recipe written by hand, or an evening spent cooking together can carry more personal meaning than another last-minute purchase.
The point isn't to stop buying gifts. It's to be more selective about what deserves a place in someone's life.
How Do You Make a Holiday Gathering Feel Special Without Overdoing It?
Start with three decisions:
Choose one memorable detail. Beautiful flowers, a signature dessert, or handwritten place cards.
Serve food you can actually enjoy making. A dinner party shouldn't leave the host exhausted before guests arrive.
Create room for conversation. Put the phones away, lower the music, and let the evening unfold.
A beautiful table still matters. But what happens around it matters more.
The Questions Worth Asking
Does a smaller holiday mean spending less? Not necessarily. It means being intentional about where the money goes.
Can a simple gathering still feel luxurious? Absolutely. Thoughtful hospitality, good food, and attention to detail can feel more luxurious than excess.
What's one tradition worth starting? A yearly dinner where every guest brings a dish and the story behind it.
The most memorable part of a holiday rarely comes in a shopping bag.
Explore more on considered living, meaningful gatherings, and the rituals that make everyday life richer at Clèco.
