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Most popular date Americans start prepping their homes for holidays – and it’s earlier than you might think
AMERICANS have admitted they dread preparing their homes for the holidays – and how early in the year they start worrying about it.
For nearly a third of Americans, how tidy their home looks to others is the most important factor to consider during the holidays (31%), according to new research.
A survey of 2,000 adults who celebrate a winter holiday examined the pain points of preparing your home for the holiday season and found that looks matter.
The holidays are a merry, but daunting time, causing 55% to already think about holiday home prep back in September.
Conducted by Talker Research for The Container Store, the survey found that respondents have gotten a head start on putting up decor (59%), gift shopping (56%) and organizing their home (42%).
With all of the holiday to-do tasks, 47% expressed feeling overwhelmed or crunched for time (48%), with these respondents wishing they could spend an average of nearly 50 hours prepping their home for the holidays.
Those surveyed take their home’s appearance seriously, with six in 10 ranking it one of the top three factors to consider when having guests over (58%).
As a result, almost a third would opt to pay someone to take care of the pre-holiday organization and declutter for them (31%).
This is especially desirable to the 32% who feel stressed at the thought of organizing and clearing clutter in their home.
Fifty-five percent said that when preparing their home for guests during the holiday season, they often don’t know where to store things they usually have out.
“Effective organization is the foundation of productivity at home, and we know that the holidays are a time where our customers need to be most productive,” said Satish Malhotra, CEO and president of The Container Store.
“Our specialists can help provide a fresh perspective that can unlock the potential in their homes that they didn’t know they had.”
The living room (40%), kitchen (25%) and dining room (14%) are particularly hard to get a handle on organizing.
When it’s time to break out the festive decor, 68% turn to their storage areas dedicated solely to holiday decor.
A quarter of respondents dread the thought of getting their hands on their decor, though — so much so that one in six would pay someone else to do so or put it up.
According to those surveyed, Christmas trees (41%), string lights (24%) and ornaments (17%) are the hardest to retrieve.
Most difficult holiday decor to take out of storage
- Christmas tree — 41%
- String lights — 24%
- Ornaments — 17%
- Oddly shaped decorations — 13%
- Christmas villages — 11%
Two in five have even considered the easy way out: purchasing new decor entirely (43%).
And some just may need to invest in some new decor, as 55% have ended up with broken holiday items as a result of difficulty storing them with these respondents losing an average of $100.
After all is said and done, a third of those surveyed are still trying to figure out the best way to store their holiday decor (32%).
Thirty-six percent would even go as far as leaving their decor up after the holiday season due to not wanting to deal with storing it, with 48% of these respondents saying it would be left up for at least a month.
“Storing holiday decor properly is key to enjoying it year after year,” Malhotra said.
“Our goal is to help our customers find solutions that fit their exact needs — whether that be sturdy labeled containers for storing their holiday items, wrapping fragile items carefully or simply needing advice from professional organizers to help find a dedicated space for everything.”
Talker Research surveyed 2,000 Americans who celebrate a winter holiday; the survey was commissioned by The Container Store and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between Sep. 11 and Sep. 17, 2024.
Advice to avoid storage mishaps
- Triple-wrap everything individually and put as much protective cushioning in storage bins
- Have a dedicated space a little bigger than you need, if possible
- Wrap delicate ornaments and store them separately
- Be sure to mark all boxes with specific items inside so you don’t have to pull out more than needed
- Rotate your stuff so that the upcoming holiday is on top and most accessible
- Give yourself twice as much time as you think you have
- Make sure that the items that are easy to break are put in last
- Get sectional insert for storage boxes
- Make sure you know what your stuff is made of so you know how to properly store it. Ex. Ceramic and plastic could be treated very differently in storage
- Use clear bins: This makes it easier to see what’s inside and reduces the chance of damage from overcrowding
Can I add someone on WhatsApp without a phone number?
Huge changes are coming to WhatsApp, which is part of the American multinational company Meta.
In a wave of changes, users will have a whole new way to add friends on the messaging platform in the update and will even be able to receive messages from other platforms, but there’s a big catch.
A new way of connecting
One of the new changes is that users will be able to receive messages from other apps, including Facebook, Instagram, Telegram and iMessage.
There will be an option available to toggle this feature off though, if people want to keep things simpler.
Another change is that users will be also able to add friends by using their usernames in a game changing shift.
Previously WhatsApp users have only been able to add friends through their phone numbers.
The only other option available was using the app’s QR code feature.
A big catch
However, the ability to receive messages from other apps will only be available in the European Union because of the EU’s Digital Marketing Act (DMA).
One of the laws contained in the DMA bans “gatekeeper services”, which will force apps to able to accept messages from other platforms.
However, due to differences in UK law, WhatsApp won’t be required to offer this same ability in Britain.
Brits will be able to use the other new function though, which will allow them to add friends through their usernames.
That particular feature is expected to be rolled out “over the coming weeks”.
A long wait
The cross-platform feature is only in its beta-testing phase which means EU users will have to wait to use this capability.
Cross-platform capabilities have been in development at WhatsApp for two years, but questions are being asked about how the new capabilities will work with WhatsApps encryption software.
WhatsApp has end-to-end encryption which makes it extremely difficult for hackers to interpret conversations between users.
A third party platform may not necessarily have this encryption.
That has raised eyebrows, because some people feel that it might make conversations more vulnerable to hacking.
Dick Brouwer, engineering director at WhatsApp, told Wired: “There’s real tension between offering an easy way to offer this interoperability to third parties whilst at the same time preserving the WhatsApp privacy, security, and integrity bar.”
The EU maintains that the new laws will ensure market fairness and argue that the new laws help create fresh competition.
Megan Thee Stallion ‘left suicidal and terrified to perform’ after horrific shooting and endless troll attacks online
MEGAN THEE STALLION has revealed she fears playing live since being shot in 2020, saying she has been trolled so badly over it, she worries someone could target her again.
The singer was injured by rapper Tory Lanez – who was sentenced to ten years in prison – but many of his fans called Megan a liar.
She says on her Prime Video documentary In Her Words: “Ever since being shot, I’ve had anxiety about performing. I always think somebody’s going to do something to me.
“So many guys online say, ‘You should have got shot in the head’, ‘He should’ve finished the job’, ‘He should have killed your ass’.
“I can’t separate trolling from real life. Am I safe to perform in front of thousands of people? I don’t know who’s in this crowd.”
Reflecting on her mental health before her shooter was found guilty, she continues: “I had a real breakdown.
“I didn’t feel like my life had any kind of value. I had to call 911 because I couldn’t breathe. I thought I was about to die.
“It was like three days in bed. I just cried every day. I never would have been a suicidal person . . . but I was feeling like that. I was like, I’d rather not live through this than to have to live with this.”
But thankfully she sought help.
Now the Wap rapper, whose mum died in 2019 just as she became famous, adds: “For the first time since my momma was alive, I’m taking care of myself.
“I do feel hopeful for what’s next for me. I’m manifesting happiness.”
ROYAL DATE FOR ’PHONICS
STEREOPHONICS have announced a huge show next summer, alongside special guests Jake Bugg and Blossoms.
They will play at the King’s Royal Sandringham Estate, Norfolk, on August 16. Tickets go on sale next Friday.
And When Rivers Meet will headline Planet Rock radio station’s Blues Power Live concert next Thursday.
The British rock duo will play at the event at the Dingwalls in Camden Town, London, alongside Chantel McGregor and Xander & The Peace Pirates.
My friend, Bernard Doherty, host of the broadcaster’s Blues Power show, will host the night, which is a must-do for fans of the genre.
Tickets are on sale now on Planet Rock’s website.
Maya gets the ‘juice flowing
MAYA JAMA is more treat than trick as she leads a host of celebs dressed up for Halloween.
The Love Island presenter sported green hair and a striped suit with matching stockings as she transformed into a sexy version of Michael Keaton’s Beetlejuice.
Myleene Klass also vamped up her look as appeared as Wonder Woman, complete with trusty lasso.
Paris Hilton ditched her famous blonde locks for a black do as she dressed up as Uma Thurman‘s Pulp Fiction character Mia Wallace.
Kylie Jenner was seeing stars as she went all out to transform into Barbarella (Queen of the Galaxy).
She brandished a silver space gun and large wig on her Instagram page. But fans were left baffled, as within minutes she deleted the sultry shot.
Brooklyn Beckham‘s wife Nicola opted to be a sexy Playboy Bunny. Meanwhile, Perrie Edwards got son Axel in on the act as the duo recreated the cover art for Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars‘ ’ Die With A Smile.
GRANDE, FILM IS WICKED
I WAS doubtful about the upcoming film Wicked but it sounds like Ariana Grande has well and truly pulled it out of the bag – and is now even being tipped to win an Oscar.
It is the first major movie from the former child star-turned-singer, but the musical had its initial screening in the US on Wednesday night to rave reviews.
One viewer said it was “well worth the 20-year wait” while another said it is “everything cinema should be”.
Top US film reviewer Scott Menzel wrote: “Wicked is a cinematic spectacle that serves as one of the very best big screen adaptations of a Broadway musical ever.
“Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo completely knock it out of the park as Elphaba and Galinda.
“Wicked is hands down one of the year’s best films.”
There are still three weeks until it arrives in cinemas, but I am raring to watch it now.
ANOTHER DAY FOR E17’S STAY
FORGET Mariah Carey, when I hear East 17’s Stay Another Day, I know Christmas really is just around the corner.
And 30 years after it was released, the band are re-releasing the track on vinyl.
Lead singer Tony Mortimer has teamed up with music therapy charity Nordoff and Robbins.
As well as putting the song into the race for Christmas No1, with the vinyl coming out on December 13, Tony will be performing it at Nordoff and Robbins’ carol service in London on December 10, alongside acts including Lemar and Jamie Cullum.
Fans who buy the vinyl will get a previously unreleased live version from East 17’s Letting Off Steam tour in 1995.
Tony told me: “Through this collaboration, I really want to raise awareness of how music can offer hope, expression and healing to people everywhere.”
I’m off to buy a fluffy white coat in homage to Tony and the lads.
THE late Queen Elizabeth will make a brief cameo in the third Paddington movie.
She will appear in a photo having afternoon tea with the bear – from the 2022 sketch she featured in for her Platinum Jubilee.
Royal consent was needed to use the image in Paddington In Peru, out next Friday.
Producer Rosie Alison said: “[The Royal Family] were very happy. But we don’t like to make a big deal of it – Paddington’s a very modest fellow.”
After the Queen’s death, fans left Paddington-inspired tributes outside Buckingham Palace, including hundreds of marmalade sandwiches.
BUSTA IN MTV ICON TRIUMPH
BUSTA RHYMES will receive the Global Icon Award at the MTV EMAs in Manchester on Sunday, November 10.
The hip hop legend will take to the stage at the city’s Co-Op Live arena for a greatest hits medley.
Busta said: “This recognition is not only a celebration of my career but also of hip hop culture.
“To be acknowledged on this global stage is a reminder that hip hop has no boundaries – and neither do I!”
First look at Paultons Park’s new interactive attraction opening at the theme park next year
PAULTONS Park has revealed the official opening date of their new ride next year.
First announced earlier this year, Ghostly Manor will replace the park’s old 4D cinema.
The theme park has since confirmed it will open on May 17, 2025.
The ride will be both interactive and family-friendly, so good for younger visitors.
Guests will have to capture ghosts that have “escaped the house of renowned ghost hunter Dr Kinley”.
Ghosts will be caught using “phantom phasers”.
Also coming to Paultons Park is a new viking themed land, set to open in 2026.
Little else is known about it currently, but it will replace the log flume and karting track.
The theme park’s marketing and technology director, Lawrence Mancey, told us: “Brace yourselves! Vikings are set to raid England once again and establish a new world for our guests to explore in 2026.”
And the theme park is also one of the best value in the country when it comes to ticket prices and food costs.
Not only that, but it is good value because of the short queue times, meaning you get a chance to go on lots of rides.
Theme Parks Direct’s Michael Dean told Sun Travel this summer: “Paultons Park in Hampshire’s New Forest is the best theme park in terms of value for money.
“It has entry from £68.75 for a family of five if you book ahead.
“The queues are usually short, which means you can get on many rides in one day, and the food is also a reasonable price too.”
Insights from website queue-times.com found that the average ride queue time at Paultons Park is at least half what it is at other UK parks.
Other new rides are opening across the UK, with Chessington revealing plans for a new themed land, rollercoaster and indoor ride.
The Sun's Head of Travel on why Paulton Park is one of her favourite theme parks
Sun Travel’s Caroline McGuire explains all.
As a mum of a five year old, it’s by far my favourite theme park and the short waits are a massive part of that.
A lot of the time, we’d wait about two minutes to get on a really great attraction – and that was on a weekend too.
The only place in the park where you can expect to wait in line for up
to 40 minutes (although that’s rare) is Peppa Pig World.
It’s undoubtedly the big draw of the park and everyone, myself
included, heads straight there when they first arrive.
But I’d recommend getting out of there after a couple of rides and
checking out the rest of the park where the attractions are just as good and the lines are much, much shorter.
Paultons is still family-owned and aside from queue times, it feels
very much like a park that has been built by parents for parents.
One of my favourite little details is that they have a load of those
very annoying stationary rides that you find outside supermarkets,
which your child will inevitably pester you to spend £3 on – but at
Paultons they’re free!
But if you can wait a bit longer, a new theme park is set to open in the UK.
French theme park, Puy du Fou, revealed its interest in building a UK version of the resort last year.
And Universal has revealed plans to open in one of their theme parks in Bedford, the first of its kind for the UK.
Little else is known about it, and it wouldn’t open until the 2030s.
Heart-stopping moment man desperately clings to MOVING CAR as it barrels down dual carriageway terrifying onlookers
THIS is the shocking moment a man desperately clings on to a moving car as it barrels down a dual carriageway.
Disturbing dashcam footage taken on the A48 into Cardiff revealed a man laying across the windscreen and bonnet of a black vehicle.
Horrified onlookers told Wales Online they had to “triple take” as the incident unfolded at around 2pm on Wednesday.
CCTV showed the motor crawling through heavy traffic as a man sits on top.
The video clip also shows how the windshield has been smashed.
Cops confirmed the 74-year-old driver was arrested on suspicion of assault.
He remains at Cardiff Bay police station while investigations are ongoing.
A South Wales Police spokesman said: “At around 2.45pm yesterday, police in Cardiff were called to an incident on the westbound carriageway of the A48 approaching the University Hospital of Wales following a report of a man holding onto the front of a car as it travelled along the road.
“The 74-year-old male driver of the car was arrested on suspicion of assault and is currently at Cardiff Bay police station.
“The matter remains under investigation.”
This comes as other horrifying moments have been caught on camera.
CCTV footage revealed how a £50,000 Mercedes EV burst into flames on a driveway, before the fire spread to a family home.
The car had been sitting out in the open for 10 hours and wasn’t even charging when it “spontaneously exploded“.
Elsewhere, the shocking moment a pilot miraculously survives after his helicopter crashes into a plane left viewers baffled.
The black Robinson R44 helicopter span out of control as it approached its garage and tried to land.
Meanwhile, another terrifying encounter on camera showed how a schoolboy was pinned to the ground and savaged by a “pitbull-type” dog as the owner battled to pull the hound off.
Disturbing footage showed how Abdul Waheed Akhtar, 14, desperately fought the muscular canine as it tore into him on Monday.
