It’s no secret that the Hospitality State cherishes time with loved ones during the holiday season. Mississippi is full of small-town Christmas parades, light displays, and charming yet eclectic celebrations unique to each city, town, or region.
Traditions matter, and the wonderful thing about traditions is that families can participate in timeless ones that have been done for years while also creating new ones to celebrate for the seasons to come.
A recent survey by Gunther Volkswagen shows that Mississippi families spend a festive 10+ hours together on holiday activities. Encompassing 3,000 families, the survey sought to measure holiday joy in hours and ranked the favorite festive activities. Mississippi families averaged 10 hours and 56 minutes together embracing holiday activities, and number one on the list? Family holiday movie marathons.
Here’s what families in Mississippi cherish most by spending time together:
- Holiday movie marathons
- Viewing Christmas lights
- Baking cookies
- Ice skating
- Hosting or attending parties
- Choosing and collecting a Christmas tree
- Attending religious services
- Attending markets
- Volunteering
Among all the cookies and Christmas lights, 90% of respondents agreed that spending time with family is the best thing about the holiday season. The survey also pinpointed November 3 as the day when the average person’s anticipation for the holidays begins. This makes sense as the Magnolia State is known for its love of family and delicious food. It’s part of the state’s culture; the holiday season embodies both.
“In the variety of the holiday season, each thread – from the twinkling lights to the shared warmth of a kitchen filled with baking aromas – represents a cherished moment with loved ones,” explains Joseph Gunther IV of Gunther Volkswagen. “Our survey reveals not just how families spend their time but also the cherished rituals that define the festive season for them. It’s these traditions that fuel the anticipation and joy that build up long before December’s celebrations.”
From Gulf Harbor Lights on the Mississippi Gulf Coast to a Candlelit Christmas in Jackson or the iconic Reed’s Department Store Christmas Parade in Tupelo, there is always something festive happening in Mississippi during the holiday season. We are a culture that celebrates families and traditions, big or small. Perhaps sitting in the living room around a favorite movie with some favorite treats is the most cherished activity because it embodies what matters most: family and togetherness.
This holiday season, quantify your joy wherever you are by celebrating who you are with.
