From shopping to travel, here’s how Americans are planning for the holidays

It’s official, the top three markers that the holiday season is in full swing include hearing festive music on the radio (20%), seeing or hearing the first holiday ad (13%) and when it’s dark before 5 p.m. (11%). Conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Motel 6, a survey of 2,000 U.S. adults who celebrate the winter holidays revealed that almost one-third (31%) are commencing the season early and 67% started celebrating in one way or another as early as September. Many Americans have already purchased (61%) and planned (55%) their gifts, as well as purchased decor (46%) or watched holiday movies (43%). While 46% are embracing the holiday season earlier to get better deals, 45% simply want this to be the best holiday season yet.