Nearly Half of Massachusetts Residents Spending Less This Holiday Season

BURLINGTON — ’Tis the season for financial strain in the Commonwealth, according to a new survey. A Mass Opportunity Alliance (MOA) poll found nearly half (45%) of all Massachusetts residents are planning to spend less on holiday gifts this season, up sharply from the 36% who said the same thing in 2024.

This not-so-festive financial strain is especially pronounced among lower- and middle-class households: 48% of residents earning between $50,000 and $100,000 say they plan to spend less on gifts this year, along with 56% of those making under $50,000.

Christmas stockings could also be lighter for kids in the Commonwealth, with 41% of parents with children under 18 planning to cut back. And looking ahead, spirits aren’t cheerful or bright: 46% of residents say they feel pessimistic about the economy going into 2026.

The survey of 505 Massachusetts residents, conducted Dec. 9-12 by research firm Big Village, was performed at a 95% confidence level. The findings are the latest in MOA’s monthly polling to track public opinion on key issues related to competitiveness in the Commonwealth. Click here for the full analysis.