Interesting Statistics regarding Christians and Christmas
By DW Davis
@DWDavis (25812)
Pikeville, North Carolina
December 25, 2022 10:38am CST
According to Gallup Polls conducted over the last 25 years, approximately 93% of Americans celebrate Christmas, but only 71% of that 93% consider their celebration of Christmas to be strongly or somewhat related to religion. - https://news.gallup.com/poll/272357/percentage-americans-celebrate-christmas.aspx
Considering that, according to the Pew Research Center, as of 2021, only 63% of Americans self-identify as Christian, there are a huge number of Americans celebrating secular Christmas. This aligns with the Gallup numbers stated above. - https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2021/12/14/Pew-poll-religion/4101639510653/
What is secular Christmas? According to the Encyclopedia Brittanica, "Since the early 20th century, Christmas has also been a secular family holiday, observed by Christians and non-Christians alike, devoid of Christian elements, and marked by an increasingly elaborate exchange of gifts. In this secular Christmas celebration, a mythical figure named Santa Claus plays the pivotal role." - https://www.britannica.com/topic/Christmas
Do you celebrate Christmas? If so, which one: secular Christmas, religious Christmas, or a hybrid of both?
9 people like this
8 responses
@FourWalls (62118)
• United States
25 Dec 22
I don’t celebrate it religiously because it’s not Jesus’ birthday (evidence points to an actual birth during or near the feast of Sukkot; and, given how the feasts were fulfilled on their actual feast day that would follow the pattern). Having said that, I am NOT in any way, shape, manner, or form a “grinch.” I gladly and gleefully wish people a merry Christmas and I don’t cringe when they say “merry Christmas” to me. There’s enough hate in the world, and the universe doesn’t revolve around me and what I believe, so I will do as Scripture says: “Pursue peace with everyone” (Hebrews 12:14).
Merry Christmas to you!
2 people like this
@snowy22315 (169946)
• United States
26 Dec 22
Secular, although I do enjoy the religious elements of the story. I think a celebration of the birth of Jesus is appropriate.
1 person likes this
@GreatMartin (23677)
• Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
25 Dec 22
I have 'celebrated' Christmas--secular--since some of my Catholic friends in 2nd grade introduced me to all the presents they got!! LOL
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (118442)
• Gainesville, Florida
26 Dec 22
I used to celebrate both, but these days it's mostly just a secular holiday for us. I find it interesting to note that early in America's history Christmas was actually shunned because of its pagan roots.
Actually, I have been celebrating Christmas at Disney World every year since my daughter was born (20+ years), so technically the mythical figure Mickey Mouse plays a pivotal roll in my Christmas celebrations. haha
Merry Christmas to you DW!
1 person likes this
@noni1959 (9886)
• United States
28 Dec 22
I believe but don't associate Christmas with the season. It's too commercial. This year I stayed home and other than my oldest and husband coming over, everyone else was sick and couldn't do a family get-together. It was OK this year. I never taught my kids Santa was real. Never did the elf thing even with grandkids. I do love the lights and think of it as a season to remember to be kind and hope everyone carries it into the next year.
1 person likes this
@RebeccasFarm (86755)
• United States
25 Dec 22
I celebrate the Dark Catholic Christmas DW
A Merry Christmas to you and family too.
A Merry Christmas to you and family too.1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (95138)
• Marion, Ohio
26 Dec 22
Santa all the way. I celebrated the winter solstice first
1 person likes this
