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How inflation, AI, and nostalgia are shaping celebrations across America

• Americans are turning to AI to save time during an overwhelming holiday season, with more than one in three people using tools like ChatGPT to help write holiday cards and gift messages.

• Rising costs are changing how families talk about gift-giving, with most parents saying Santa is bringing fewer presents as inflation continues to strain budgets.

• Despite cutting back, consumers still crave meaningful celebrations, leading many to prioritize simpler traditions, thoughtful low-cost gifts, and experiences over spending big.

The holidays are supposed to feel magical. However, for many Americans this year, they also feel expensive, exhausting, and a little different than they used to.

With inflation still stretching household budgets, parents are getting creative with gift-giving, consumers are leaning on technology to save time and money, and long-standing traditions are quietly being rewritten.

Key findings from the study

A new study from Refine Packaging reveals just how much holiday celebrations are evolving.

More than one in three Americans are now using tools like ChatGPT to help write holiday card messages, signaling a growing desire for efficiency during an already overwhelming season. At the same time, over 70% of parents admit theyre blaming Santa for having fewer presents under the treea reflection of how rising costs are reshaping not just spending habits, but the stories families tell their kids.

Yet alongside these changes is a strong pull toward nostalgia and emotional connection. Even as AI steps in to help craft the perfect message and budgets tighten, consumers still want celebrations to feel personal, sincere, and meaningful.

ConsumerAffairs spoke with Alex Jasin, Co-Founder and CMO of Refine Packaging, to break down how inflation, artificial intelligence, and a return to simpler traditions are colliding, and what it all means for the future of the holidays.

The AI craze

Refine Packaging surveyed 1,000 U.S. adults about their holiday spending, AI use, packaging habits, and meal planning.

One of the primary findings from the study was that 37% of people are turning to AI tools like ChatGPT to help write holiday cards. According to Jasin, that points to how mentally maxed out many feel right now.

Holiday cards are one of those well-meaning traditions that take more energy than people expect, especially when youre writing the same message dozens of times, he said. Using AI doesnt necessarily mean people care less, its often just a way to get it done without adding more stress to the pile.

Additionally, nearly two in five respondents said they plan to use AI to write gift messages or cards. Jasin said thats likely about having a starting point, not avoiding effort altogether.

The emotional impact depends more on how personal the message feels than who typed the first draft, he said. But if the final result feels too generic, thats where the sentiment can get lost.

Pointing fingers at Santa

The study also found that 72% of parents are adjusting the story about Santa, whether thats saying hes helping other kids or just bringing fewer gifts this year. Jasin says this is likely a reflection of how tight things feel financially right now for many parents.

Telling a kid we cant afford it isnt always a conversation parents are ready for, especially when theyre already under financial stress, he said. Using Santa as a buffer helps protect the magic while also managing expectations.

In the survey, 22% of parents said theyre telling their kids Santa is focusing on families in need, which can encourage empathy and shift the focus from receiving to giving. That could be a positive outcome. But if this change becomes the norm year after year, and nothing replaces the excitement of traditions, theres a chance the holidays start to feel less joyful and more about whats missing. The tone families set matter just as much as whats under the tree.

Updating traditions

Balancing budgets and expectations is something just about everyone can relate to. This holiday season, focus on how to maintain traditions or create new ones without breaking the bank.

Our data points to people leaning into smaller joys, things like cozy clothes, seasonal snacks, or thoughtful low-cost gifts, Jasin said. For parents, the key may be shifting away from pressure to go big. Big-ticket gifts arent the only way to make a moment memorable. When expectations are clear and grounded in whats doable, it takes a lot of stress out of the season.

A new survey finds medical costs are pushing families to delay treatment, rack up debt, and make tough financial tradeoffs

• A new survey found that 58% of adults impacted by a serious injury have delayed or skipped medical care because the cost felt out of reach.

• Many families are cutting back on essentials like groceries, falling behind on rent or mortgage payments, and postponing long-term goals just to keep up with medical bills.

• Financial assistance programs, payment plans, and billing reviews can help ease the burden, and experts say skipping care isnt a personal failure but a systemic problem.

For many Americans, the decision to see a doctor isnt just about health anymore its about money.

With inflation squeezing household budgets and job stability still shaky for many, more people are asking themselves a difficult question: Is medical care really worth the cost?

According to a new study from Leslie Law Firm, that question is leading a majority of Americans to take a risky step skipping medical care altogether. The survey, which polled 1,000 U.S. adults whose households were impacted by a serious injury, found that 58% have delayed or avoided care because it felt financially out of reach. And for families already dealing with lost income, mounting bills, or long-term recovery, those choices can quickly snowball into lasting financial strain.

ConsumerAffairs spoke with Suzanne Leslie, owner of Leslie Law Firm, to learn how injury-related medical debt is forcing families to cut back on essentials, turn to unconventional sources for health advice, and make tradeoffs that can affect both their finances and their well-being for years to come.

Financial barriers

According to Leslie, cost remains the top barrier to consumers seeking out medical care across the country.

The biggest barrier is the sheer cost of accessing care, even if youre insured, she explained. When 58% are skipping treatment because of financial concerns, its about a lot more than just medical bills.

Theres a lot to unpack: lost wages, high deductibles, and the fear that one injury could be the catalyst to wreck your entire budget for months to come.

Financial instability

When medical bills start piling up, it can be common for those financial concerns to start bleeding into other areas of consumers lives.

Medical debt often forces people into impossible trade-offs, and the ripple effects are severe, Leslie said.

In our findings, 57% cut back on groceries, 25% fell behind on rent or mortgage payments, and 37% reduced their retirement savings. These setbacks dont just strain the short term they push long-term financial goals further out of reach and leave households more exposed to future emergencies.

However, there is hope for consumers. Leslie explained that some hospitals and medical providers offer emergency financial assistance or short-term medical coverage for those facing hardship after an accident or injury.

These programs are often overlooked simply because people dont know to ask, but checking for available aid can help prevent medical bills from derailing the rest of their financial lives, she said.

Double check your medical bills

An important piece of advice for those struggling with medical debt: double check all of your medical bills. Leslie explained that errors on your bills are more common than most people realize, unfortunately.

Then, talk to the provider about setting up a payment plan or applying for financial aid, she said. When more than half of those in debt are grabbing a credit card(s) to cover their expenses, its rough. So if youre looking into balance transfers or nonprofit credit counseling, it could help reduce interest and make payments more manageable over time.

Not a personal failure

If youre in the situation of choosing between essential medical treatment and basic needs like groceries, Leslie hopes that consumers should know that theyre not alone. This situation is far more common than most people even realize.

Our research shows this is a widespread issue, and definitely not a personal failure, Leslie said. Id suggest looking into whether there are community health clinics or nonprofit providers in your area that offer sliding scale pricing.

Its also important to be brave and not be scared or too proud to ask for a helping hand. Many people avoid treatment because they assume they cant afford it, but there are certainly payment options that offer more flexibility than youd expect. You wont know unless you ask.

Backup-camera blackouts, brake assist loss, fire risks top the recall list this week

The company says the maneuver won't affect products or support

Roomba maker seeks Chapter 11 protection as competition and tariffs squeeze margins
Company plans to go private under ownership of its main manufacturer
iRobot says customers should not see disruptions to products or support

iRobot, the maker of the Roomba robotic vacuum cleaner, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Sunday, saying it plans to go private after being acquired by Picea Robotics, its primary manufacturing partner.

The Bedford, Massachusettsbased company filed in Delaware bankruptcy court as it struggles with intensifying competition from lower-priced rivals and rising costs linked to new U.S. tariffs. iRobot had warned in March that its ability to continue operating as a going concern was in doubt.

Competition and tariffs erode profits

iRobot generated about $682 million in revenue in 2024, but mounting pressure from Chinese competitors such as Ecovacs Robotics has weighed heavily on profitability, according to court filings. While iRobot remains a market leader in the United States and Japan, competitors have forced the company to cut prices and invest heavily in technology upgrades to stay relevant.

Those challenges have been compounded by U.S. tariffs, particularly a 46% levy on imports from Vietnam, where iRobot manufactures vacuum cleaners for the U.S. market. The company said the tariffs added roughly $23 million in costs in 2025 and made long-term planning more difficult.

Debt tied to failed Amazon deal

At the time of the bankruptcy filing, iRobot carried about $190 million in debt. Much of that stems from a 2023 loan used to refinance operations while a European antitrust investigation delayed a proposed $1.4 billion acquisition by Amazon.

After the Amazon deal collapsed and iRobot fell behind on payments, Picea a China-based manufacturer acquired iRobots debt from a group of investment funds managed by the Carlyle Group, according to court documents.

Going private under Picea

Under iRobots Chapter 11 plan, Picea will take 100% ownership of the company and cancel the $190 million remaining on the 2023 loan. Picea will also forgive an additional $74 million that iRobot owes under the companies manufacturing agreement.

Other creditors and suppliers are expected to be paid in full, according to bankruptcy filings.

iRobot said the bankruptcy process is not expected to disrupt app functionality, customer programs, global partners, supply chain relationships or product support.

From pandemic boom to steep decline

iRobot was valued at about $3.56 billion in 2021, buoyed by pandemic-driven demand for home technology. Today, the company is worth roughly $140 million, according to data compiled by LSEG.

Founded in 1990 by three Massachusetts Institute of Technology roboticists, iRobot initially focused on defense and space-related work before launching the Roomba in 2002. The robotic vacuum quickly became a household name.

The Roomba still holds about 42% of the U.S. robotic vacuum market and 65% of the Japanese market, according to the company.

iRobot is headquartered in Bedford, Massachusetts, and employs 274 people, court documents show.

Why you shouldnt grab the first gift card on the hook

• The scam: Thieves copy gift card numbers + PINs while cards are still on the rack

• The hit: Once a cashier activates the card for a unknowingbuyer, the crookdrains it fastoften before its even used

• Avoid it: Check the PIN/scratch area for tampering, grab from the back, pay with credit, report suspicious cards

Police are investigating a gift card scam reported at a Giant Eagle store near Pittsburgh that we all need to aware of.

Unfortunately, the scam is showing up in grocery and big-box stores nationwide. Police say scammers tamper with gift cards while theyre still hanging on the rack.

Heres how the scam works

Someone steals the gift card number and PIN. They dont steal the actual card, just the information off of it. Theyll then put the gift card back on display, and then wait.

Once an unsuspecting shopper buys the card and a cashier activates it, the scammer can quickly drain the balance before the recipient ever gets to use it.

The Better Business Bureau of Western Pennsylvania says criminals will repeatedly check balances online, sometimes using automated tools, and then move quickly to use the card the moment real money hits it.

In many cases, people dont even realize anything is wrong until they try to spend the gift card and find the balance is already gone.

Police officials said theyre looking to question a person in connection with the reports at the Verona Giant Eagle. Giant Eagle said its cooperating with investigators and has taken steps to help prevent fraud, but warned that card tampering can be difficult to spot. The company also said its working to make customers whole in fraud situations.

The BBB said it has logged hundreds of scam reports involving gift cards this year, and the holiday rush creates the perfect storm: crowded aisles, distracted shoppers, and racks full of easy-to-grab cards.

How to avoid getting burned

Consumer advocates recommend a quick gift card inspection before you toss one in your cart:

• Check the PIN area. Make sure any tape, scratch-off strip, or protective covering looks intact and hasnt been peeled, replaced, or re-stuck.
• Dont grab the first card on the rack. Pick one from the back, and avoid cards that look bent, scratched, or resealed. If the protective covering of the card looks comprised, put the card back or show it to an employee.
• Buy from a trusted store and in person. Avoid sketchy online sources and third-party sellers.
• Use a credit card when possible. It can be easier to dispute charges than if you pay with cash or debit.
• Report suspicious cards immediately. If a card looks tampered with, hand it to an employee right away.

Bottom line

Gift cards are still a popularand easy holiday gift, but theyre also an easy target. In the last-minute shopping crush, a 5-second check of the packaging can be the difference between giving someone $50 or giving them an empty piece of plastic.