Category: Holidays

Building a Little Holiday Magic

National Gingerbread House Day is a fun, unofficial holiday celebrated annually on December 12th. It’s dedicated to baking, decorating, and creating gingerbread houses. It’s a festive way to slow down, get creative, and savor a little holiday sweetness.

For many, there’s something special about sitting down with a blank gingerbread canvas and a bowl of colorful sweets, ready to build a house made of sugar and imagination. Whether …

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In The Know: Holiday Shopping Vibes

‘Tis the Season… to Spill the Shopping Tea

Whether you’re the type to start shopping in August or you thrive on the thrill of last-minute gift grabs, one thing’s for sure: NCP panel members take holiday shopping seriously—but not without a little fun along the way. From gift cards galore to impulse buys (you know who you are), we unwrapped your seasonal habits and favorite traditions in our …

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Happy Holidays from National Consumer Panel

December is here, and the final month of the year brings a flurry of holiday-related activities with it. Whether you’re buying gifts for friends and family, baking goodies, traveling, or enjoying winter activities, remember to report your purchases to NCP.

James is back with a holiday message for panel members!

Hi everyone, it’s James from NCP. I just returned from my holiday shopping, and let’s just say my

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Thanksgiving Meal Trends and Creative Holiday Activities

Happy Turkey Week! When you think about Thanksgiving, what comes to mind: food, football, family, or something else? The second-largest food holiday of the year is also unique in that millions of Americans eat a very similar meal all on the very same day.

A Thanksgiving menu typically includes traditional holiday food like turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, cranberries, and pumpkin pie. However, the celebration can vary …

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Holiday Shopping 2025 Breakdown: Who, When, and Where

Have you started your holiday shopping yet… or are you still pretending it’s not quite that time of year? (Like I am, ha!) No judgment either way—this season sneaks up on all of us. It’s amazing how fast the year flies by, isn’t it? Whether you’re the type who finished your list back in October or someone who thrives on the thrill of last-minute gift hunting, the holidays …

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Unwrap Less Holiday Stress

With November upon us (seriously, how is it November already?), we can’t help but think about the holiday season. The holidays are often portrayed as the most wonderful time of the year, but for many people, they can also be one of the most stressful. Between family gatherings, financial strain, travel, and the pressure to make everything perfect, it’s easy to lose your sense of calm.

So, I …

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Purr-fectly Spooky: Halloween Pet Costumes

Since this week we’re celebrating both Halloween and National Cat Day, it’s the perfect time to talk about Halloween costumes for pets!

Do you dress up your pets for the holidays? I sometimes try—but my pets aren’t exactly fans of wearing costumes! Still, including our furry (and not-so-furry) friends in holiday fun is becoming more and more popular—and it’s big business, too.

Pet Costumes are a Treat

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Halloween Candy Reimagined: Sweet Treats and Thoughtful Alternatives

Happy Halloween week! Halloween is one of my family’s most anticipated holidays — a time for costumes, creativity, and, of course, treats. My kids have always loved dressing up in costume, and, well… so do I!

For many families, trick-or-treating is the highlight of the season, and candy aisles across the country transform into a colorful display each October. But how did this beloved tradition begin, and how …

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Creep it Real: Halloween Decorating Ideas

October is here, and it brings one of my favorite holidays: Halloween! But this day isn’t just about candy and costumes anymore—it’s become a full-on décor season. This is the time to let your creativity shine! From pumpkins on the porch to ghosts in the tree, decorating your home can be as spooky or stylish as you want it to be. Whether you’re planning a haunted house feel …

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Stars, Stripes & Scanning: Celebrate the 4th with NCP!

Independence Day is right around the corner—a perfect excuse to unplug, unwind, and enjoy some summer fun! Whether you’re planning to fire up the grill, cool off with a swim, or catch up with friends and family, there’s something special about celebrating together. My family’s looking forward to all of the above—lots of good food, backyard relaxation, and time with the people we love most.

🎆 Festive Food

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