Lifestyle

68% Celebrate Christmas As A Religious Holiday

Americans overwhelmingly celebrate the Christmas holiday in their family, and for most it is a religious holiday that honors the birth of Jesus Christ.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 87% of Americans celebrate Christmas in their family, and 68% of these adults celebrate the holiday primarily as a religious one. That’s up eight points from 60% a year ago. For 27%, Christmas is chiefly a secular holiday. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

22% Still Have Not Started Their Holiday Shopping

There’s nothing like waiting until the last minute for some.

One-in-five American Adults (22%) still have not started their holiday gift shopping as of the last weekend before Christmas. Seventy-four percent (74%) have now started, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

24% Will Travel This Holiday Season

One-in-four Americans is planning on traveling this holiday season, and most of them will hit the road to do so.

Twenty-four percent (24%) of American Adults plan on traveling away from home this holiday season, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Seventy-one percent (71%) don’t plan on traveling. Five percent (5%) haven't made up their minds yet. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1000 American Adults was conducted on December 17-18, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology. 

33% Worry About Toy Safety This Holiday Season

Concern about the safety of toys has dropped dramatically this year, and belief that it’s the government’s job to regulate the safety of toys is down as well.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 33% are now at least somewhat concerned about the safety of most toys being sold this holiday season, including 11% who are Very Concerned. Fifty-nine percent (59%) don’t share this concern, with 21% who are Not At All Concerned. (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on December 17-18, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

65% Say No to Cell Phone Chatting on Airplanes

The Federal Communications Commission is considering lifting the ban on in-flight cell phone use, but Americans are not on board.

One-in-five U.S. Adults (21%) thinks people should be allowed to talk on a cell phone while traveling in an airplane, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. But 65% don’t think people should be allowed to chat on their cell phones during flight. Another 14% are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on December 15-16, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

54% Will Send Christmas Cards This Year

Christmas time is here again, and many Americans will be celebrating yuletide by attending parties and sending cards to friends and family.

Ninety-two percent (92%) of American Adults celebrate Christmas in their family, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1000 American Adults was conducted on December 13-14, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology. 

41% Are Having Difficulty Getting Into the Holiday Spirit

Most Americans are enjoying the Christmas season, but they’re almost evenly divided over whether it's a joyous or stressful time.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 41% of American Adults are having difficulty getting into the holiday spirit this year, up from 37% a year ago. But most adults (53%) continue to have no problem getting into the holiday spirit, unchanged from last season. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1000 American Adults was conducted on December 13-14, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology. 

40% Work Some or Most Major Holidays

An overwhelming majority of workers say they have time off for Thanksgiving and Christmas, but a sizable number say they have to work at least some major holidays. 

Eighty-four percent (84%) of Employed Americans say their company gives them time off for Thanksgiving and Christmas, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 623 Employed Adults was conducted on December 11-12, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology. 

31% Have Finished Their Holiday Shopping

With just over a week left until Christmas, two-thirds of Americans have begun shopping, and nearly one-in-three are already finished.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 67% of American Adults have started their holiday gift shopping, up from 48% at the beginning of the month and 37% a month ago. Thirty percent (30%) still have not started. (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1000 American Adults was conducted on December 13-14, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

23% Name Pope Francis Most Influential, 21% Say Obama

Time magazine named Pope Francis its “Person of the Year” last week, and nearly one-in-four Americans agrees with that pick.

Rasmussen Reports gave Americans a similar list of influential people worldwide, and 23% said Pope Francis was the most influential person in 2013. But the new national telephone survey finds that nearly as many (21%) felt President Obama was the most influential. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Just 31% Work A 40-Hour Week

Nearly-three-out-of-four working Americans now put in a minimum of 40 hours a week on the job, but most still think they have a good work-life balance.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that only 31% of Employed Americans work 40 hours a week. Forty percent (40%) now work more than 40 hours weekly, including nine percent (9%) who work more than 50 hours a week. This compares to 33% who worked more than 40 hours a week in May. 

Twenty-eight percent (28%) now work fewer than 40 hours a week, with 10% who work fewer than 20 hours weekly. That overall number is down six points from 34% in the previous survey. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 623 Employed Adults was conducted on December 11-12, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

67% Say Christmas Should Be More About Jesus Than Santa Claus

With the increasing commercialization of Christmas, the religious importance of the holiday often gets buried - but not in the minds of most Americans.

Sixty-seven percent (67%) of American Adults still think Christmas should be more about Jesus Christ than about Santa Claus. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 17% believe the holiday should be more about the jolly fat man in red. Another 17% are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1000 American Adults was conducted on December 9-10, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

32% Will Give to Charity in a Friend’s Name As A Gift This Year

More Americans are opting for donations in a friend’s name in lieu of traditional gifts this holiday season. 

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 76% of American Adults are at least somewhat likely to make a charitable donation of some kind this year, including 57% who are Very Likely. This is the highest level of charitable giving measured in surveys since 2009. Just 20% are unlikely to make a donation of some kind, with seven percent (7%) who are Not At All Likely to donate to charity this year. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on December 9-10, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology. 

75% Think Christmas Should Be Celebrated in Public Schools

Despite school administrators’ concerns nationwide, Americans strongly believe that Christmas should be a part of public schools. They feel just as strongly that religious symbols should be allowed on public property.

Seventy-five percent (75%) of American Adults think Christmas should be celebrated in public schools, according to the latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Just 15% disagree, while 10% are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on December 9-10, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

56% See Pope Francis As Good PR for the Catholic Church

Most Americans, especially Catholics, have a favorable opinion of Pope Francis, and believe he’s improved public perceptions of the Catholic Church. But while many Catholics agree he shares their general views and values, those of other faiths are not so sure.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 61% of American Adults view Pope Francis at least somewhat favorably, including 29% who view him Very Favorably. Just 12% share an unfavorable opinion of the pope whose papacy began in March, including three percent (3%) who view him Very Unfavorably. Nine percent (9%) have never heard of Pope Francis, with another 17% undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on December 5-6, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

66% Prefer ‘Merry Christmas’ Over ‘Happy Holidays’

Most Americans still prefer signs in stores that say "Merry Christmas" rather than ones with "Happy Holidays."

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 66% of American Adults prefer Merry Christmas. Just 21% like Happy Holidays instead. Thirteen percent (13%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1000 American Adults was conducted on December 1-2, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Looking Back: 68% Viewed Mandela Favorably

Rasmussen Reports asked Americans in February 2011 how they viewed then-92-year-old Nelson Mandela as he faced an earlier health crisis. Most Americans held the iconic South African leader who died Thursday in high regard. A Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey found that 68% of American Adults shared a favorable opinion of Mandela, with 25% who viewed him Very Favorably. Twenty percent (20%) regarded Mandela unfavorably, but that included just six percent (6%) with a Very Unfavorable opinion. Twelve percent (12%) were undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on January 28-29, 2011 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

71% Will Decorate Their Home for the Holidays

More Americans than ever plan to decorate their homes this holiday season, but most haven't finished the job yet.

Seventy-one percent (71%) of American Adults say they will decorate this year, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. This finding is a seven-point increase from last year  and the highest number of home decorators in surveys for several years. Twenty-one percent (21%) will not decorate this holiday season. Eight percent (8%) haven't made up their minds yet. (To see survey question wording, click here).

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on December 1-2, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

48% Have Started Holiday Gift Shopping, 14% Are Finished

Black Friday and Cyber Monday have come and gone, and a few more Americans have started - and finished - their holiday shopping.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 48% of American Adults now have started their shopping for the holidays, up from 37% two weeks ago.  Forty-nine percent (49%) still have not begun yet. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook. 

This survey of 1,000 Adults nationwide was conducted on December 1-2, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

85% Have A Lot to be Thankful For This Thanksgiving

Americans overwhelmingly believe they have a lot to be thankful for, and roughly half still consider Thanksgiving one of the nation's most important holidays.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 85% of American Adults think they have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. Just nine percent (9%) do not, the lowest of pessimism since 2009.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook. 

This survey of 1,000 Adults nationwide was conducted on November 24-25, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.