Our friends at the U.S. Census Bureau remind us that while this holiday season is a time for gathering and celebrating with family and friends, gift giving, reflection and thanks, it is a major time for business. So as you sip your eggnog, coquito or something stronger, kick back and enjoy a few of the U.S. Census Bureau holiday-related facts and figures from its massive collection of statistics.
Rush to the Stores
$23.8 billion
The estimated retail sales by the nation’s department stores (including leased departments) in December 2015. A decrease of $0.4 billion in retail sales from December of the previous year. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Monthly Retail Trade Survey
$55.7 billion
The estimated value of retail sales by electronic shopping and mail-order houses in December 2015 — the highest estimated total for any month last year. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Monthly Retail Trade Survey
Christmas Tree Decorations
$1.1 billion
The value of U.S. imports of Christmas tree ornaments from China between January and September 2016. Imports from China led the way with 92.0 percent of the total imports of Christmas tree ornaments. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, International Trade Statistics
$346.0 million
The value of U.S. imports of Christmas tree lights from China between January and September 2016. Christmas tree lights imported from China accounted for 87.0 percent of the total imports for that product. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, International Trade Statistics
Where Toys Are Made
560
The number of locations nationwide that primarily produced dolls, toys and games in 2014, an increase of 15 locations from 2013 (545); they employed 6,215 workers in the pay period including March 12, a decrease of 323 employees from 2013 (6,538). California led the nation with 93 establishments. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2014 County Business Patterns
Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa
23.6 million
The estimated number of young domestic turkeys hatched during September of this year in the United States, up 21.0 percent from September 2015. Source: USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service
$392.0 million
The value of U.S. imports of tapered candles in 2015. Most of these came from Vietnam, representing more than 35.0 percent of America’s imported tapered candles, followed by Canada with 24.0 percent. Many of these candles are lit during Diwali (Nov. 11), Hanukkah (Dec. 6-14) and Kwanzaa (Dec. 26–Jan. 1) celebrations.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, International Trade Statistics
Holiday Place Names
Some names of places associated with the holiday season consist of a dozen places named Holly, including Mount Holly, N.C. (population 14,176), and Holly Springs, Miss. (7,610). There is Snowflake, Ariz. (5,666); Santa Claus, Ind. (2,474); North Pole, Alaska (2,189); Noel, Mo. (1,824); and — if you know about reindeer — Dasher, Ga. (963), and Rudolph, Wis. (432). There is also Unity, N.H. (1,603), and Peace, N.D. (28). Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Population Estimates
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