Christmas remains a fixture in American life, but the way people celebrate it continues to shift away from church and toward family, gifts, and decorations, according to new findings from Gallup.
A Gallup poll conducted Dec. 1–15 found that 88% of Americans say they celebrate Christmas, a figure that has stayed largely steady over the past year and only slightly below levels seen two decades ago. What has changed more noticeably is how the holiday is observed.
Secular traditions dominate
Among those who celebrate Christmas, nearly everyone says they exchange gifts and gather with family or friends. About nine in 10 say they decorate their homes or put up a Christmas tree, rates that have changed little since Gallup last measured these traditions in 2010.
Religious customs, however, continue to decline. Fewer than half of Christmas celebrants, 47%, say they attend a religious service on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. That is down 17 percentage points from 2010. Displaying Nativity scenes or other religious decorations has also dropped, now reported by 54%.
Gallup found that most newer or growing traditions are social rather than religious. Watching holiday movies and baking cookies or desserts are now among the most common Christmas activities, while about half of celebrants say they send holiday cards.
Changes across generations
Christmas still has broad appeal across age groups. Roughly nine in 10 middle-aged and older adults celebrate the holiday, compared with 85% of adults ages 18 to 34.
Younger adults participate in most social traditions at similar rates as older Americans, including gift-giving, decorating, and spending time with loved ones. They are less likely, however, to attend church services or display religious decorations, reflecting lower levels of religious affiliation among younger generations.
The biggest age gap shows up in attending live holiday concerts or plays. About one-third of young adults say they attend these events, compared with roughly half of middle-aged and older adults.
Religious observance declines even among Christians
Gallup found that the share of Christmas celebrants who identify as Christian has fallen from 83% in 2010 to 69% today, mirroring broader declines in religious affiliation nationwide.
Even among Christians, religious practices tied to Christmas have eased. About 61% of Christian celebrants now say they attend church on Christmas, down from 73% in 2010. A solid majority still display religious decorations, but that share has also slipped.
Christians and non-Christians celebrate Christmas in similar ways when it comes to secular traditions like gathering with family, exchanging gifts, and watching holiday movies.
A holiday that continues to evolve
Gallup’s findings suggest that Christmas remains deeply embedded in American culture, even as its religious elements fade for many. With strong participation among young adults and non-Christians, the holiday appears to be evolving into an increasingly social and cultural celebration.
The poll’s takeaway is clear: Christmas is still widely celebrated, but for most Americans today, it centers more on togetherness and tradition than on religious observance.
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