• by Jack Loechner , Staff Writer @mp_research, December 28, 2015

Classic holiday traditions like watching holiday specials and playing board games after dinner continue to endure, but when is technology invited to the table and when does it overstay its welcome? Whether it’s using text messages and video chat to connect with friends and family, or using tech to create a digital wish list, consumers are embracing technology in their holiday planning and activities.

According to a new survey from Sequence, “Happy Digital Holidays: Technology, Culture and Emerging Holiday Traditions”, the potential tension and the positive influence of technology becomes more pronounced during the busy holiday season. In the survey, 44% of consumers say it’s never appropriate to have your smartphone at the holiday table, though 31% say the use of smartphones at the holiday dinner table is acceptable for taking and sharing photos.

From communicating and managing busy schedules to entertainment and shopping, the survey explores how technology plays a role during the holidays, how it impacts existing holiday traditions, and if it has the potential to create new ones.

The survey found that classic holiday traditions continue to be important across generations, while at the same time technology-inspired pastimes are starting to emerge, says the report. A small group of consumers are embracing the digital holiday experience by using technology to their advantage to manage their tasks and create more time for friends and family.

Jojo Roy, chief executive officer of Sequence, says “… the influence of digital experiences in our culture continues to push boundaries and possibilities… as brands develop new products and technologies… decide how technology can play a meaningful role with customers… (and) give it purpose… (to) fit into people’s lives…”

Key findings in the report include:

• 33% would be lost without their smartphone during holiday travels
• One in three consumers said they would sleep instead of meeting friends for drinks, baking cookies and other holiday activities if mobile technology helped save three hours of their time
• 46% rely on apps like Waze, Google Maps, Apple Maps to guide them to their destination
• 52% say thanks to social media, when they see family from out of town, they feel like they know what’s going on in their lives
• 25% say instead of a traditional phone call, they will video chat with their family
• 22% of men keep a family calendar to track holiday activities

For more information on the survey findings download the full reporthere.