NEW YORK — Many Americans are opting for a quiet celebration at home as the New Year approaches. According to a recent survey conducted by the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, a majority of adults in the United States plan to spend New Year’s Eve in the comfort of their own homes.
Carla Woods, a 70-year-old resident of Vinton, Iowa, reflects on how her perspective has shifted over the years, saying, “As I’ve gotten older over the last few years, it’s like if I don’t make it to midnight, it’s not a big deal, you know?” The poll indicates that nearly 20% intend to celebrate at a friend or family member’s residence, while only about 5% are thinking of attending a bar, restaurant, or organized event for the occasion.
In addition to ringing in the New Year, many Americans are looking to set intentions for the upcoming year by making resolutions. Over half of those surveyed express intentions to craft at least one resolution for 2025. While there is a degree of optimism among the respondents, more than half do not anticipate significant changes in their lives. Approximately 40% believe that 2025 will be an improvement over 2024, while about a third expect little to no change and around 25% expect a decline in their circumstances.
A relaxed approach to New Year’s Eve seems to be the trend for many, including Kourtney Kershaw, a 32-year-old bartender from Chicago, who acknowledges that customer inquiries about New Year events have revealed a desire for a low-key celebration. “Most people around my age want to go out but haven’t found anything or the costs are just too high,” she explains. Entry fees and expensive party packages can deter potential celebrators, especially in today’s economic climate.
While younger individuals are still drawn to lively outings, with about 10% of adults under 30 planning to celebrate out, approximately 30% of those aged 60 and above indicated they will not celebrate the start of 2025 at all. Anthony Tremblay, 35, from Pittsburgh, typically avoids going out, but this year he and his wife will embark on a special trip to Ireland. “This is definitely a change from my usual routine,” he admits.
Carla Woods will be working on both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, providing support through The Iowa Warmline, which serves those struggling with mental health or substance-related challenges. “Holidays can be particularly challenging for folks, so I don’t mind being there,” she shares. “Helping people is meaningful to me, especially considering my own family history with mental health issues.”
As the New Year approaches, discussions about resolutions are reignited. The majority of U.S. adults indicate they will establish some sort of resolution, with millennials and Gen Z notably leading the charge — nearly two-thirds expect to set goals compared to about half of older generations. Women are more inclined than men to declare intentions for 2025.
Tremblay aims to lose weight and prioritize self-care, through practices like meditation and better sleep habits. “Focusing on mental health seems appropriate this year,” he states, reflecting a broader trend as about 30% of adults plan resolutions revolving around fitness and healthier eating. Others also intend to embrace improvements related to financial management or mental well-being.
Woods’ personal resolutions focus on remaining social and engaged. As a mental health counselor, she understands the importance of these aspects for a fulfilling year: “One of my biggest resolutions is to stay social, aiming to get out at least once a week for coffee or to spend time with a friend.”
Kershaw hears similar ambitions from her clientele, with many expressing desires related to health and mental well-being. For her own goal, she aspires to travel more and expand her experiences across the world: “I’m not sure if that would be classified as a resolution, but it’s a goal I’m excited to pursue.”
In a departure from her usual New Year’s Eve routine of cozying up with movies and snacks at home, this year Kershaw is making plans to enjoy a hockey game at Wrigley Field. As a devoted sports fan, she looks forward to watching the Chicago Blackhawks take on the St. Louis Blues as a unique way to welcome 2025.
The AP-NORC poll that examined these trends surveyed 1,251 adults between December 5-9, 2024, achieving a representative sample of the U.S. populace. The margin of error for the entire adult demographic is plus or minus 3.7 percentage points.
