As people approach the holidays, they’re feeling conflicted, with a desire to both save and spend more as the world opens up. Canvas8 polled 1,100 Britons and spoke to nine people to find out how they’re feeling about their finances in the lead-up to the 2021 festive season.

With the pandemic having turned life upside down, how are people responding when their beloved rituals get disrupted? Canvas8 spoke to Daniel Stein from the University of California about the importance of rituals in modern life and why altering them can make people upset.

Fashion brand Next reports increased sales but anticipates slowing demand and availability problems. While supply chain issues and changed consumer behaviour require brand attention, these circumstances also offer an opportunity to provide alternatives that alleviate people’s worry of shortages.

Despite the vaccine rollout and easing of restrictions, a majority of Americans are planning on having a virtual 2021 Thanksgiving. A survey shows how COVID-19-related uncertainty and increasing familiarity with online interfaces is giving the traditional festival a lasting digital identity.

The COVID-19 crisis forced many Americans to reconsider their budgets and environmental impact, leading some to embrace the resale market – a penchant that looks set to outlive the pandemic for many Gen Yers. So, how can brands facilitate and reap the benefits of second-hand purchasing?

Department store chain John Lewis has released its Christmas advert a week early, in reaction to people browsing holiday items on its website. Holiday preparation is indeed taking off early in 2021, with customers willing to spend more, while aiming to avoid stock and delivery issues.

What will Christmas 2021 look like? Aldi is getting in early on Christmas calculations by introducing Junemas. Instead of asking people to wait until December to reclaim the Christmas they didn’t have in 2020, it’s inviting people to enjoy mince pies and family time in June instead.

The Delta variant has pushed many Americans to reconsider travel options for their 2021 Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations. People are sticking to pandemic-era habits, including minimizing social gatherings, and brands can help make the festive season both safe and enjoyable.

With 2021 holiday festivities coming closer, alt-meat brand This is challenging the traditional Christmas spread with a range of festive alternatives. As consumer interest in a plant-based diet grows, brands would do well to pitch their products to suit seasonal tastes.

With many missing out on their usual festive affairs due to the pandemic, Britons are longing for that Christmas spirit this winter. But with strong eco concerns, many are envisioning a green Christmas that still captures the magic of the most special time of the year.

From social isolation to being stuck inside to cancelled 2020 Christmas plans, the pandemic has taken its toll on kids. So although the pandemic and supply issues have driven the prices up on most goods, parents are still keen to treat their children by splashing out on toys where they can.

Target’s holiday campaign is encouraging more spending by branding itself as the destination for deals, tapping bargain-hunting Americans who are looking forward to making up for 2020’s holiday season spent in lockdown but who are still cautious about their finances in the wake of COVID-19.