Based on interviews with 1,503 adults conducted in recent weeks, the Pew study revealed that while the vast majority of Americans still celebrate Christmas, most find the religious parts of the holiday are emphasized less than in the past, and few of them care that this is the case.
The survey results reflect the country’s deep ideological division, with Republicans appearing to place more importance on religious values and Democrats on secular ones.
What Percent of Americans Celebrate Christmas?
According to the Pew Research, WASHINGTON, D.C. — 93 percent of Americans report celebrating Christmas in December 2019, which is consistent with the percentage Gallup has reported over the past quarter century.
More than nine in ten Americans across all divisions of gender, age, education, and income observe Christmas, and the holiday also serves as a unifying force for Republicans and Democrats.
Those Americans who feel religion is not extremely important are the only ones less likely to celebrate Christmas; among them, the likelihood is 85%. Participation reaches 96% among “extremely” and “somewhat” religious individuals.
The Most Celebrated National Holiday
Christmas and Thanksgiving are the most widely celebrated national holidays in the U.S. Thanksgiving is observed in a lower number of countries compared to Christmas. Thanksgiving is celebrated in Canada, Liberia, Saint Lucia, and Grenada as well as the United States. The festival is observed on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States. In other nations, it may differ. Even though it is celebrated in countries other than the United States, Thanksgiving is generally considered an American tradition.
Christmas Celebration Plans
Thanksgiving customs throughout the ages
Thanksgiving has been commemorated in the United States since 1789, when President George Washington issued a proclamation. Historically, the first Thanksgiving was observed by the Pilgrims following the first harvest they acquired in America. Indeed, the typical dinner on this special day includes native cuisine. The two most prevalent Thanksgiving foods, according to a new survey, are turkey and mashed potatoes. The most common place to celebrate this holiday is at home, with relatives, or with family. Indeed, many Americans travel throughout the Thanksgiving weekend, likely to visit family.
Christmas Is Americans’ Favorite Holiday.
Christmas is the most widely celebrated national holiday in the United States, before Thanksgiving. Christmas is celebrated on December 25 as Christians commemorate the birth of Jesus. 85 percent of Americans observe Christmas. Christmas has a substantial retail value. 40 percent of Americans begin their Christmas shopping before the end of October, according to a recent study, and in 2020, the typical American consumer intended to spend approximately 850 dollars. The Christmas tree is a significant purchase in addition to gifts. In 2019, consumers in the United States spent an average of 77 dollars on real Christmas trees.
Want to Know More?
According to a new research by LifeWay Research, nine out of ten Americans (91%) celebrate Christmas, and not all of them are self-identified Christians. A majority of agnostics or those claiming no preference (89 percent), those claiming other religions (62 percent), and even atheists (55 percent) celebrate Christmas alongside the vast majority of Christians (97 percent).
Overall, married adults, persons with children under 17 years of age, and individuals over the age of 30 are more likely to celebrate Christmas than their counterparts, although the percentage differences are marginal.
Scott McConnell, director of LifeWay Research, stated, “There is a reason why Christmas themes dominate television, stores, and communities at the end of November.” Almost every American commemorates the occasion in some capacity.
After determining which Americans celebrate Christmas, the survey shifted its focus to the manner in which they do so. Even among Christians, LifeWay Research discovered a mismatch between the holiday’s religious emphasis and its cheerful, family-centered traditions.
In reality, 81 percent of Americans place family first at Christmas, strongly or somewhat agreeing with the statement, “Family traditions are the most important aspect of Christmas for me.”
“There is no question that Americans celebrate Christmas,” said Ed Stetzer, president of LifeWay Research. “However, many organizations avoid saying ‘Merry Christmas’ so as not to offend the nine percent who do not,” he added. “However, a closer examination of their celebrations indicates that they focus mostly on family and that Christ-centered elements are not as prevalent.” For a significant portion of our culture, the season is divorced from its meaning. “Family is the reason for the season for many of these individuals.”
Among a list of fourteen actions that people do around Christmas, presenting gifts to family members is the most popular (89 percent). In addition, more than three-quarters of families report gathering with family or friends for a Christmas lunch (86 percent), putting up a Christmas tree (80 percent), listening to Christmas music (79 percent), and decorating their houses for the holiday season (77 percent).
66 percent of Christians watch fictional Christmas movies, compared to 50 percent of agnostics or those with no preference, and fewer than 50 percent of atheists and Americans of other religions.
94% of Christians say they offer family members presents. Overall, slightly more than a third of all homes (38 percent) support believe in Santa, compared to 42 percent of Christian households. Only 27 percent of agnostics or those without a religious preference, 22 percent of those professing other religions, and 18 percent of atheists promote Santa Claus believe.
Santa Claus is more popular in households with children under the age of 17 (52 percent) than in households without children (48 percent) (33 percent).
In Sum, How, exactly, do you plan on honoring the birth of Christ this year? You might take a flight back to see family for the holidays, or you could stay put and enjoy the fire. Both of them sound like fun, but my favorite winter ritual is taking a drive to look at all the seasonal lights and displays. I’m not at a stage in my life where I can spend my free time decorating my house with twinkling lights and fir trees, but I really appreciate it when other people take the time to do so.