The holidays are coming in HOT in Philly AND South Jersey. One second you’re eating Halloween candy for dinner and the next you’re panic-adding gifts to carts you don’t even remember opening. According to a new survey from Rula, Philly residents aren’t just stressed… they’re basically leading the parade. That means South Jersey, too.
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The city ranks among the top 10 most stressed in the U.S. during the holiday season, which honestly… tracks.
Family Tension? Political Drama? Philly’s Got It ALL
A full 63% of Philadelphians say family tensions are their biggest holiday stressor, landing us 9th highest nationwide. Add in the 21% who get stressed by political disagreements, and you’ve basically got the plot of every awkward dinner ever.
But it’s not just the people. Everyone’s stressed by the vibe too. 56% say the pressure to feel festive is overwhelming, placing Philly 15th highest in the country. 44% say overeating and unhealthy habits get to them, which feels extremely relatable for me especially at the moment.
Philly Protects Its Peace… And Blows Its Budget
Here’s the good news: we’re not afraid to bail when it’s too much. 42% of Philadelphia residents admit they’ve skipped a holiday event to protect their mental health, which honestly deserves applause in my book.
The wallet part? Less cheerful. Philadelphians (and South Jersey by extension) overspend by an average of $304, the 5th highest holiday budget blowout in the U.S…