The Real Feel Blog
December Trend Summary: Holiday Routines and Lingering Strain
Overall Mood:
December began with a sense of emotional steadiness. Following the Thanksgiving holiday, many Americans described a grounded return to calm routines, slow mornings, and early holiday rituals. The national mood score continued to hold steady, with a notable lift in the middle of the month from rest, family connection, good sleep, and days off work. As colder weather set in, people leaned into indoor comforts and simple joys, including decorating for Christmas, spending time with loved ones, and reflecting on the year.
Still, stressors persisted. Financial pressure, job instability, and caregiving demands remained common sources of emotional strain. For some, seasonal joy was tempered by grief, loneliness, or exhaustion. Holiday spending added tension to already tight budgets, and winter blues crept in as colder, darker days took hold. The emotional tone of the month captured this mix: many found peace in routine and holiday connection, while others continued to face hardship.
Holiday vacation was fantastic, still enjoying time with family.
Mood: 9, Excited, Male, 30–44, Multiracial, HHI $175,000–$199,999, Bachelor’s Degree, Gay or Lesbian, Married, Texas
More bills than money to pay them. Struggle to eat everyday. Feel hopeless and like giving up almost every day.
Mood: 1, Anxious, Male, 30–44, White/Caucasian, HHI $10,000–24,999, Some High School (No Diploma), Straight, Domestic Partnership, Republican, Arkansas
Loving the weather and had a good time with my family.
Mood: 9, Happy, Male, 30–44, Black or African American, HHI $50,000–74,999, Bachelor’s Degree, Straight, Republican, Colorado
Top Sentiments
For the seventh consecutive week, Republican men aged 30–44 held the highest mood scores. Their responses centered on steady routines, job stability, and meaningful personal moments. Many noted that projects were on track, bills were paid, and home life felt balanced. Happiness came from productive days, holiday excitement, and gratitude for time with family.
I’m happy because my projects are on schedule, the kids are doing well in school, and I completed a respectable workout.
Mood: 7, Calm, Male, 30–44, White/Caucasian, HHI $125,000–149,999, Graduate Degree, Straight, Married, Republican, California
Had a great extended holiday weekend. Excited for the Christmas season to get into full swing!
Mood: 10, Calm, Male, 30–44, White/Caucasian, HHI $100,000–124,999, Bachelor’s Degree, Straight, Married, Republican, Michigan
Because my second daughter is about to be born and she will be a little sister.
Mood: 10, Happy, Male, 30–44, Black or African American, HHI $25,000–49,999, High School Diploma, Single, Republican, Indiana
White/Caucasian women who identified with an "Other" political affiliation reported the lowest average mood scores. While some expressed appreciation for quiet days and family time, many struggled with job loss, caregiving pressure, and financial uncertainty. Cold weather, health issues, and relational strain added to the emotional toll.
I never get a day off from chores & caring for my elderly mother plus work
Mood: 6, Tired, Female, 45–60, White/Caucasian, HHI $25,000–49,999, Some College, Straight, Divorced, Other, Idaho
I was laid off from my job and still haven’t found any work. I cannot pass my background checks and am afraid of losing my apartment.
Mood: 5, Anxious, Female, 45–60, White/Caucasian, HHI $25,000–49,999, Some College, Straight, Other, Arizona
I feel sad because of my current situation. I feel like I want to do more things and help more people before I'm gone. I want someone who knows who I am and likes me because of it.
Mood: 5, Sad, Female, 61+, White/Caucasian, HHI $50,000–74,999, Graduate Degree, Straight, Married, Other, Minnesota
Key Takeaways
Faith Provided Emotional Grounding Muslim respondents reported the highest average mood score of any religious group this month. Many described peace and gratitude rooted in daily prayer, family connection, and meaningful progress at work or home. Spiritual routines helped create a foundation of calm amid broader holiday stress.
I woke up early and had time to myself to pray and read. Having time to myself is important to me in the morning. It sets the tone for the rest of my day.
Mood: 10, Calm, Female, 30–44, Black or African American, HHI $75,000–99,999, Graduate Degree, Christian, Straight, Married, Democrat, Indiana
Recent experiences reminded me how much uncertainty shapes my choices, pushing me toward cautious optimism.
Mood: 10, Happy, Male, 30–44, White/Caucasian, HHI $125,000–149,999, Graduate Degree, Muslim, Straight, Married, Republican, Florida
I am doing well at work and I have an optimism for the future.
Mood: 9, Excited, Male, 61+, Hispanic, HHI $175,000–199,999, Bachelor’s Degree, Straight, Married, Other
All Age Groups Aligned Emotionally For one of the first times this year, mood scores across all four age brackets clustered closely together. Younger and older Americans alike found comfort in routines, time with family, restful weekends, and the pace of the season. This rare alignment pointed to shared emotional rhythms during the holidays.
I am in a good headspace. I am grateful and accepting of my current circumstances.
Mood: 9, Calm, Male, 30–44, White/Caucasian, HHI $50,000–74,999, Some College, Straight, Single, Other, New York
I feel happy when small, meaningful things line up in a way that makes life feel warm and satisfying.
Mood: 8, Happy, Male, 45–60, White/Caucasian, HHI $125,000–149,999, Graduate Degree, Straight, Married, Republican, Texas
I feel calm because I got a good night's sleep and have a relaxing day ahead.
Mood: 7, Calm, Male, 61+, American Indian or Alaskan Native, HHI $50,000–74,999, Bachelor’s Degree, Straight, Divorced, Other, Michigan
Lower-Income Groups Found Breathing Room People earning $25,000–49,999 reported a rise in mood scores. For many, the post-Thanksgiving return to routine offered relief. Slower days, fewer immediate problems, and early signs of progress, from job opportunities to stronger relationships, helped balance out ongoing challenges.
Working my way through a financial issue and starting to see light at the end of the tunnel.
Mood: 7, Calm, Female, 30–44, Black or African American, HHI $25,000–49,999, Straight, Other, Mississippi
Had a good Thanksgiving and now looking forward to Christmas with family and friends.
Mood: 7, Happy, Male, 61+, White/Caucasian, HHI $25,000–49,999, Associate Degree, Straight, Single, Both Democrat & Republican, Wisconsin
I woke up with another chance to do something productive.
Mood: 8, Excited, Female, 30–44, Hispanic, HHI $25,000–49,999, High School Diploma, Straight, Single, Democrat, New York
'Other' Political Affiliates Showed Signs of Recovery While still the lowest-scoring political group overall, individuals identifying with an "Other" party experienced a lift in mood. Contributors included better sleep, family time, and regained stability. Spirituality, planning, and gratitude helped offset lingering stress.
It’s been a long week and I finally have a day to myself.
Mood: 6, Calm, Male, 45–60, White/Caucasian, HHI $50,000–74,999, Bachelor’s Degree, Straight, Divorced, Other, Virginia
Everything is falling into place. I have my own place now. I start my job soon and my kids are safe.
Mood: 8, Calm, Female, 30–44, Black or African American, HHI $100,000–124,999, Bachelor’s Degree, Bisexual, Married, Other, Virginia
I am doing well at work and I have an optimism for the future.
Mood: 9, Excited, Male, 61+, Hispanic, HHI $175,000–199,999, Bachelor’s Degree, Straight, Married, Other
Quotes From Across the Month
The following quotes reflect the range of emotional experiences this month, from exhaustion and anxiety to gratitude and joy:
I don’t have any income, my account is negative and I don't have any food.
Mood: 4, Anxious, Female, 30–44, Black or African American, HHI $50,000–74,999, Some College, Straight, Single, Democrat
I’m moving next Wednesday and I am really excited!!
Mood: 8, Excited, Female, 18–29, Black or African American, HHI $25,000–49,999, Bachelor’s Degree, Bisexual, Single, Democrat, Georgia
I feel this way because I have been enjoying my life and work lifestyle.
Mood: 10, Excited, Female, 18–29, Black or African American, HHI $0–9,999, High School Diploma, Straight, Single, Democrat, Georgia
Had a great extended holiday weekend. excited for the christmas season to get into full swing!
Mood: 10, Calm, Male, 30–44, White/Caucasian, HHI $100,000–$124,999, Bachelor’s Degree, Straight, Married, Republican, Michigan
There is just a lot going on right now. I lost my job but starting a new temp one and I'm nervous and still waiting to be approved for my unemployment so I can pay the bills.
Mood: 6, Anxious, Male, 30–44, White/Caucasian, HHI $25,000–$49,999, High School Diploma or GED, Straight, Married, Other, Mississippi
This time of year when the holidays come and it gets cold and yucky outside, I just get depressed
Mood: 4, Sad, Female, 45–60, Hispanic, Latino/a, or of Spanish Origin, HHI $175,000–$199,999, Bachelor’s Degree, Straight, Married, Democrat, Texas
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