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By Marni Rose McFall
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What's New
As the holiday season approaches, the tradition of decorating homes takes center stage across the United States.
While many Americans rely on store-bought items to deck their halls, a significant portion turn to do-it-yourself (DIY) crafts to add a personal touch. A recent survey by Creative Fabrica shows which states DIY their Christmas decor and what the most popular decoration is.
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Why It Matters
Creative Fabrica, a digital design platform for crafters, surveyed 2,035 people nationwide and analyzed Google search data for popular holiday DIY projects.
The results offer a glimpse into the preferences and habits of holiday decorators across generations and geographic regions; and while spending habits over the holiday season can differ each year, Creative Fabrica's study shows that many Americans' are still DIY-ing their holiday decor.
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What To Know
The survey revealed that Americans across all states engage in DIY projects, but people in Oklahoma, Arizona, and Texas lead the nation in crafting their Christmas decorations. These states scored the highest on a "DIY index," which combined survey responses about crafting habits and the volume of related Google searches.
The most popular items to DIY include ornaments, wreaths, and garlands, as they are often featured in top online searches for holiday craft inspiration. According to the survey, 74 percent of respondents said that homemade decorations hold more sentimental value than store-bought items.
Financial considerations also play a role, with 48 percent of respondents stating they DIY decorations to save money. However, for some, the costs can add up—34 percent admitted to spending more on crafting supplies than they would have on pre-made versions.
Generational differences also emerged in the data. Generation Z participants were the most likely to treasure DIY creations, viewing them as meaningful keepsakes. In contrast, baby boomers showed the least enthusiasm for homemade holiday décor, favoring store-bought options instead.
Creative Fabrica's study also highlights regional preferences for specific DIY projects. For example, residents of snowy Northern states frequently search for instructions on making indoor decorations like garlands and ornaments, while Southern states gravitate toward outdoor displays, including handmade wreaths and yard art. The accompanying heat map illustrated these trends, providing a snapshot of holiday creativity across the nation.
While some states excel in creating a festive DIY atmosphere, not everyone is as hands-on. Tennessee, Kentucky, and Maryland residents are most likely to claim bragging rights for having the best-decorated homes on their block, whether they rely on store-bought or homemade items.
Methodology
Creative Fabrica's survey, conducted in October 2024, polled adults aged 18 to 76, with respondents evenly split across gender identities. The company also examined Google search data from October 2023 to September 2024 for 873 holiday-related keywords, ranging from "DIY Christmas ornaments" to "How to make a holiday garland."
A scoring system was developed to measure interest in DIY projects by state, combining survey responses with search volume data to produce rankings.
What Happens Next
Americans spend an average of $67.10 on new decorations each year and devote about four hours to putting them up. Despite the growing enthusiasm for DIY projects, store-bought decorations still dominate, with 87 percent of respondents indicating they rely more heavily on pre-made items.
Whether motivated by financial savings, family traditions, or the sentimental value of handmade items, crafting during the holiday season remains a cherished activity for many Americans. As the survey shows, the appeal of DIY decorations continues to grow, bringing a personalized touch to the most wonderful time of the year.
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