The holidays are a time for relaxation, but that can be ruined by fretting over the innumerable emails waiting for you at the office.  For many, it’s better to combine the two, with a growing number of people bringing work home for the holiday season. It’s not like I check my smartphone ’round the clock to respond to every little thing. I still very much look forward to the traditional exchange of gifts, sumptuous dinners and family bonding during the holidays. Having gadgets to connect you with the office bits makes it inevitable for a person to mix a little of work while having a great time with their loved ones over the holiday break. Citrix Systems conducted  a survey over the past few weeks to better understand how technology’s become a part of people’s lives over the holidays.

Smartphones

Among survey respondents, the majority answered that they planned on bringing their smartphones when they travel for vacation this season. Laptops came in second, and tablets placed third. Being the handiest of all the gadgets, smartphones were an obvious victor in this category. Who would want to answer office emails through laptop while enjoying Christmas shopping, walking along Time Square before the New Year starts, or other family activities over the holiday?

More than 40% of respondents said that they would  check work items while vacationing through their smartphone. Laptops and tablets again came in the usual runners-up spots. The smartphone was also one of the most listed items in a person’s wishlist during the holiday’s season. Almost 65% of the surveyed participants answered positively when asked if they are hoping to receive a smartphone or a tablet for Christmas.

Appy Holidays

Days before the world welcomed 2012, 93.1% of the respondents used apps that help them work during the holidays.  Some downloaded gaming and shopping apps. Those who want to bring something appetizing to the table made the most of their cooking apps.

Earlier we reported that the Kindle Fire became the most connected device this holiday. Looks like iPad has met some serious competition with Amazon’s latest. Online shopping is another winner. Couch shoppers generated more than a billion dollars worth of purchases since Thanksgiving Day. Smartphones and tablets became two of the most sellable items in the online market, and also the most used.

There’s several different ways of viewing our new technology addiction. Some people see our connected-ness as a downside, because we’re sacrificing quality time with the family to be able to attend to professional demands even during holiday breaks. On the other hand, it lessens personal stress during holiday vacation, as you would be able to verify uncertainties playing around your head with a few clicks. When you get back to the office, you are still aware of what is going on and what needs to be addressed, and it’s easier to get back into the swing of things. Truly, technology has reinvented all avenues of our lives.