Thirty-nine percent (39%) of Americans say they will be giving less to charity this year than they did a year ago.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that only 12% say they are giving more to charity compared to years past. The plurality (44%) says they are giving about the same amount again this year.

Overall, 62% are at least somewhat likely to make a charitable donation of some kind at this time of year. That number includes 41% who are very likely to give to charity.

Thirty-six percent (36%) are unlikely to give at this time of year, including 16% who are not at all likely to do so.

Older Americans are more likely to make a charitable donation during the holiday season than those who are younger. Forty-nine percent (49%) of married adults say they are very likely to make a donation at this time of year, compared to 26% of those who are unmarried.

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Americans are generally confident that their donations are being well-spent. Seventy-two percent (72%) are at least somewhat confident that the money they give to charity is being used effectively, including 37% who are very confident.

Those who earn $60,000 to $100,000 per year are more likely to increase their giving than those in any other income category. Those who work in the private sector are more than twice as likely as government workers to give more.

Interestingly, 59% of Americans say the average government worker earns more annually than the average taxpayer.

Most adults (62%) say they are less likely to travel this holiday season compared to past years, but they are divided over whether the poor economy is to blame.

Yet other economic indicators suggest why charitable giving may be down. Sixty-seven percent (67%) of adults think the unemployment rate will be the same or higher a year from now.

The Rasmussen Employment Index declined last month as hiring expectations decreased. The Discover Small Business Watch found that the economic confidence of small business owners plunged in November. Confidence in the housing market also stalled last month.

But for most Americans, the December holiday season still is the most wonderful time of the year.

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