By Lucy NotarantonioShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberA video of a house covered literally from top to bottom in Christmas lights has gone viral, earning over 23 million views in three days.
While TikTok user Steph (@stephchronicles) seems to be in awe with the lit-up house that she drove past, other users have one major concern: the electric bill.
Americans are now spending $532 billion on their utility bills each year, and the average household pays a median bill of $347 a month, according to the third-party bill payment service doxo's 2025 Utility Report.
In the November 30 clip, the home is decorated with lights taller than the house itself, alongside a giant polar bear, elf, candy canes and more spread across the front yard. As she films from behind the camera, Steph can be heard saying, "I think they won," presumably meaning won title of the 'best lights on the street.'
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But in the comments, the festive display sparked less celebration and more sticker shock. "Won what?? Higher electricity," said one commenter.
"I would not want to pay that light bill," wrote another, and a third added: "That electricity bill is their Christmas present this year."
A fourth posted: "Y'all worried about there bill but they probably can afford it."
That mix of amazement and anxiety reflects a broader mood heading into the holidays. Americans are uneasy about what lies ahead, according to Nationwide’s 2025 Economic Impact Survey.
Even though many Americans feel fairly secure about their own finances, 35 percent expect the economy to worsen in 2026. Among those who are pessimistic, 78 percent say rising inflation is a major reason, and 71 percent point to global trade tensions and tariffs.
That unease is already influencing how people think about their money—and, for some, it means Christmas is somewhat canceled.
...Another Nationwide survey of 2,000 U.S. adults found 42 percent consumers say they plan to spend less this holiday season compared to last year.
Among those cutting back, 49 percent are buying fewer gifts, 38 percent are opting for cheaper gifts, and 20 percent say they won’t buy gifts at all.
It is understandable that so many viewers are focusing on the potential cost. With almost 4 million likes and more than 21,000 comments, the clip has sparked widespread concern that the electric bill will be "through the roof."
Steph has since shared another video highlighting those reactions, and that follow-up also went viral, earning over 151,000 views. As one user put it: "In this economy, we have to be worried for them."
Newsweek reached out to @stephchronicles for comment via TikTok. We could not verify the details of the case.
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