A recent poll by the Angus Reid Institute shows that while Canadians’ anxiety over the surge in COVID-19 hasn’t lessened, many are still planning on celebrating Christmas with relatives or friends outside their homes.
Data shows that 30 per cent of Canadians polled plan to visit friends or family outside of their households locally this Christmas season, while 10 per cent said they will be travelling outside their communities for the holidays.
In contrast, the poll also reports that 81 per cent of Canadians are concerned about their friends and family becoming sick from COVID-19, with those who are not concerned more likely to be planning holiday visits.
Most Canadians report that they have reduced their social circles, while limiting social contacts to less than five people.
In Saskatchewan, 24 per cent reported they are socializing with no one outside the immediate household, 61 per cent said between one and five people, and 16 per cent said six people or more.
The majority of respondents also reported that they feel the worst of the pandemic is yet to come, with 80 per cent of Saskatchewan respondents indicating they are expecting more cases and rising numbers.
Anxiety over the economy is also high, with 89 per cent of Saskatchewan respondents saying they expect harder economic times to follow in the future.
Respondents from Alberta reported the most concern over personal finances at 46 per cent, with Saskatchewan and Ontario following closely at 39 per cent.
Despite the continued rise in anxiety over the future of COVID-19, most Canadian remain excited about Christmas approaching.
With public health recommending Canadians remain close to home and plan subdued celebrations this year, many are still planning to celebrate the holiday in some way.
Just over half of respondents are planning to host a family dinner, and almost two-thirds plan to hang Christmas lights. Forty per cent of respondents are planning to donate to a charitable cause, and 43 per cent plan to send holiday cards.
In Saskatchewan, 33 per cent of respondents said they will be visiting friends or family locally, and 11 per cent said they will be travelling to another community or out of province for the holidays.
Only six per cent of all respondents said they are not planning any activities to celebrate the holidays.
