Holidays

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

43% Will Have Thanksgiving Dinner At Home

Most Americans will eat their Thanksgiving dinner at home or at a relative's house again this year.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 43% of American Adults plan to have Thanksgiving dinner at home tomorrow. Just as many (42%) will celebrate at a relative’s home, generally unchanged from last year. Six percent (6%) will eat at a friend’s home, while three percent (3%) each will dine at a restaurant or will not have Thanksgiving dinner at all. (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. 

22% Are Planning to Travel This Thanksgiving

Although an early winter storm has threatened much of the East Coast, more Americans plan to travel this Thanksgiving, compared to last year.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 22% of American Adults intend to travel away from home for the holiday, up from 18% a year ago. Seventy-six percent (76%) have no travel plans, but three percent (3%) haven't decided 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 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.

47% Plan Something Special to Honor Veterans Day

Nearly half of Americans say they will honor the nation's fallen this Veterans Day.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 47% of American Adults plan to do something special to celebrate Veterans Day and honor those who have given their lives for their country. Thirty-five percent (35%) don’t plan on observing the holiday, but 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 1,000 Adults was conducted on November 6-7, 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.

25% Believe in Ghosts

This Halloween, one-in-four Americans is wary of a mysterious looming presence, and it’s not the NSA.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 25% of American Adults believe in ghosts. Sixty-five percent (65%) don’t, but another 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 October 27-28, 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.

61% Say Halloween is For Both Adults and Kids

Even though most adults aren’t dressing up for Halloween, they still don’t think the kids should have all the fun.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just one-third (33%) of American Adults think Halloween is just for kids, while 61% think it’s for both adults and children. That’s up from last year when just 50% said it was for both adults and kids. (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 October 27-28, 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.

63% Think Kids Should be Allowed to Wear Halloween Costumes, Bring Candy to School

Let them eat cake - or candy, to be more precise. Some public schools no longer permit students to wear Halloween costumes or bring Halloween candy to school, but 63% of American Adults think both should be allowed. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 27% do not think students should be allowed to do either. Ten percent (10%) are not sure whether costumes should be allowed, and 11% are not sure if kids should be able to bring in candy. (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 October 27-28, 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.

58% Think America Should Still Honor Christopher Columbus

Christopher Columbus is widely regarded as the explorer who discovered America, immortalized for elementary school students in the rhyme, “In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue.” That line seems to have stuck with adults since most think America should still honor Columbus with a national holiday.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 58% of American Adults think we should still celebrate Columbus Day which officially falls today. One-in-four adults (26%) disagree, and 16% are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

Just Two Days Left! Sign up for Rasmussen Reader subscription through December 31, 2014 for just $24.95 . Offer expires October 16, 2013.

(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 October 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.

35% Celebrate Labor Day to Honor Working Americans

For most Americans, Labor Day is not a very important holiday, but one-in-three still view it as a celebration of the working man as it was originally intended.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 20% of American Adults regard Labor Day as one of the nation’s most important holidays. Nearly as many (19%) consider it one of the least important holidays. For 57%, it’s somewhere in between. (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

Special offer: A Rasmussen Reader subscription that lasts through December 31, 2014 is now just $24.95. Sign up today!

How did you do in this summer’s Rasmussen Challenge ? Check the leaderboard.

(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 and Facebook.

The national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on August 26-27, 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.

61% Say Independence Day One Of Nation’s Most Important Holidays

Americans continue to see the Fourth of July as one of the nation’s most important holidays.

Sixty-one percent (61%) of adults now regard Independence Day that way, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey.  Only four percent (4%) look at the Fourth of July as one of the least important holidays, while 33% say it’s somewhere in between.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

82% Know What Independence Day Celebrates

Most Americans are aware that the Fourth of July celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence, but far fewer recognize one of the key tenets of that foundational document.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 82% of American Adults know that the Fourth of July celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence, but eight percent (8%) think it commemorates the ratification of the U.S. Constitution instead. (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

That’s an improvement from last year when only 74% recognized what Independence Day celebrates.

Americans See George Washington As Greatest Founding Father

George Washington is back on top as the greatest Founding Father.  But Americans are now almost evenly divided on one of the key principles in the Pledge of Allegiance.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 37% of American Adults consider the first president of the United States the greatest Founding Father. Twenty-seven percent (27%) say Thomas Jefferson is the greatest, while 14% say the same of Benjamin Franklin.  Only five percent (5%) think that title belongs to John Adams, and three percent (3%) say James Madison.  Fourteen percent (14%) 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 American Adults nationwide was conducted on June 23-24, 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% Plan To Do Something Special on Memorial Day

One-out-of-three Americans (31%) rank Memorial Day as one of the nation’s most important holidays, and even more plan to honor those who sacrificed their lives for this country. 

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that only seven percent (7%) say it’s one of the least important holidays. Fifty-six percent (56%) rank Memorial Day somewhere in between.  (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 national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on May 20-21, 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.