NEW YORK (AP) — Welcome to exhausted America 2025. According to a new AP-NORC poll, many adults plan to celebrate the holidays with cash gifts and opt for an early bedtime this New Year’s Eve.
Approximately 6 in 10 Americans regard cash or gift cards as 'very' acceptable holiday presents; however, fewer are enthusiastic about giving secondhand items or re-gifts. A sentiment shared by 73-year-old Nancy Wyant from rural Iowa, who finds pleasure in giving unique gifts despite acknowledging the practicality of cash for her grandchildren.
In line with this trend, around 44% of Americans plan to sleep before the New Year, especially among the older demographic, where about half of adults aged 45 or older will not stay up past midnight.
The poll underscores a notable divide between age groups regarding acceptance of cash gifts. Approximately two-thirds of adults under 45 find cash acceptable, while only 55% of those older express the same sentiment. Gabriel Antonucci, a 26-year-old ski resort cook in Alaska, explains, Everything’s too expensive nowadays... So cash.
Gift-giving traditions appear to be evolving, with around 90% of respondents accepting cash or gift cards, and approximately 60% open to the idea of secondhand gifts.
Interestingly enough, about one-third of U.S adults intend to keep their holiday decorations up beyond New Year’s Day. Another finding reveals Christmas Day celebrations leaning towards sports, with about 25% of adults aiming to watch games rather than head to the movies.
Pets are not left out of the festive spirit, as 30% of U.S. adults plan to gift their animals this holiday. Yet, the whimsical 'Elf on the Shelf' tradition remains unpopular, with only 1 in 10 participating.
The recent AP-NORC poll, conducted between December 4th and December 8th with 1,146 adult respondents, highlights the changing landscape of holiday celebrations in America amid evolving social norms.
Approximately 6 in 10 Americans regard cash or gift cards as 'very' acceptable holiday presents; however, fewer are enthusiastic about giving secondhand items or re-gifts. A sentiment shared by 73-year-old Nancy Wyant from rural Iowa, who finds pleasure in giving unique gifts despite acknowledging the practicality of cash for her grandchildren.
In line with this trend, around 44% of Americans plan to sleep before the New Year, especially among the older demographic, where about half of adults aged 45 or older will not stay up past midnight.
The poll underscores a notable divide between age groups regarding acceptance of cash gifts. Approximately two-thirds of adults under 45 find cash acceptable, while only 55% of those older express the same sentiment. Gabriel Antonucci, a 26-year-old ski resort cook in Alaska, explains, Everything’s too expensive nowadays... So cash.
Gift-giving traditions appear to be evolving, with around 90% of respondents accepting cash or gift cards, and approximately 60% open to the idea of secondhand gifts.
Interestingly enough, about one-third of U.S adults intend to keep their holiday decorations up beyond New Year’s Day. Another finding reveals Christmas Day celebrations leaning towards sports, with about 25% of adults aiming to watch games rather than head to the movies.
Pets are not left out of the festive spirit, as 30% of U.S. adults plan to gift their animals this holiday. Yet, the whimsical 'Elf on the Shelf' tradition remains unpopular, with only 1 in 10 participating.
The recent AP-NORC poll, conducted between December 4th and December 8th with 1,146 adult respondents, highlights the changing landscape of holiday celebrations in America amid evolving social norms.
