Seventy-one percent (71%) of Americans consider Christmas one of the nation’s most important holidays. That figure is higher than for any other holiday (prior to this survey, the Fourth of July was on top at 61% and Thanksgiving was second at 46%.

A Rasmussen Reports survey of 1,000 adults found that only 7% consider it one of the least important.

Nearly nine-out-of-ten Americans celebrate Christmas and a Christmas dinner is in most of their plans. Eighty-five percent (85%) of those who celebrate Christmas will have a special dinner with family and friends to honor the occasion.

Seventy-five percent (75%) of the celebrants open their presents on Christmas morning. Sixteen percent (16%) do so on Christmas Eve. Some may need that extra time—28% had not started shopping with just two weeks to go.

Sixty-five percent (65%) would like to see more emphasis on the birth of Christ during this special time of year. Fifty-nine percent (59%) plan to attend a Christian Church service on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Another Rasmussen Reports holiday survey found that 69% of Americans prefer stores to use the phrase “Merry Christmas” in their seasonal advertising rather than the generic “Happy Holidays.” Just 23% prefer the “Happy Holidays” greeting.

Sixty-two percent (62%) of Americans will have a Christmas Tree, but most will be artificial. Only 14% will go Christmas caroling this year.

Seventy-eight percent (78%) of all Americans believe that Christian holiday symbols such as a baby lying in a manger should be allowed on public land while only 9% disagree. That view is shared by 93% of Republicans, 67% of Democrats and 76% of those not affiliated with either major political party. Court rulings that prohibit or limit such displays may be one reason many Americans believe the Supreme Court is too hostile towards religion.

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