This article was originally published in the Harris Poll.
Before the start of the winter holiday season—defined as the period beginning in mid-November and running through New Year’s Day—The Human Flourishing Lab at The Archbridge Institute and The Harris Poll partnered to survey a representative sample of Americans on their feelings surrounding this time of year. The winter holiday season is often associated with being a time for peaceful reflection with family, and most U.S. adults support that notion, according to key insights from the survey’s results.
Traditions associated with the winter holiday season hold special significance for most Americans, regardless of how long they’ve been observed: 87% of U.S. adults report observing at least some traditions during the season. Roughly equal shares of Americans—84% and 82%, respectively—believe that passing down winter holiday traditions from one generation to the next benefits younger and older generations. Four in five (81%) agree that they think back on the winter holidays from their childhood fondly.
Nearly half (47%) of Americans report that at least most of their winter holiday traditions were passed down (i.e., from their childhoods) and one in five (18%) report that they’ve created or adopted most of their own traditions. Only one in five (21%) report only observing those traditions that had been passed down. Only one in ten (8%) report only observing traditions they themselves created or adopted. However, three in four (75%) Americans agree that is important to adopt new holiday traditions, and 86% believe the winter holiday season is an important time to create new memories.
The winter holiday season helps people, particularly those with kids, focus on the things that matter most.
Eight in 10 U.S. adults (84%) at least somewhat agree that the winter holiday season is a time to focus on the things that give their life meaning. This increases to 89% among those with a child under 18 (vs 82% among those without). Seven in 10 U.S. adults at least somewhat agree that the winter holiday season helps them disconnect from the negative things in their life. This increases to 78% among those with a child under 18 (vs 65% among those without).
Two-thirds (66%) of U.S. adults consider the spiritual significance of the winter holiday season (i.e., recognizing aspects related to faith) to be at least somewhat personally important. This increases to 72% among those with a child under 18 (vs 63% among those without). Six in 10 U.S. adults (63%) consider the cultural significance of the winter holiday season (i.e., recognizing aspects related to heritage) to be at least somewhat personally important. This increases to 70% among those with a child under 18 (vs 60% among those without).
Two-thirds (67%) of U.S. adults consider the mainstream significance of the winter holiday season (i.e., participating in popular societal traditions) to be at least somewhat personally important. This increases to 74% among those with a child under 18 (vs 64% among those without).
Most American report feelings of connectedness to one’s community and to people around the country during the winter holiday season.
Three in 10 U.S. adults (29%) believe that the winter holiday season is primarily a time to connect with loved ones, and eight in 10 U.S. adults (83%) at least somewhat agree that they feel more connected to their loved ones during the winter holidays. This decreases to 78% among those aged 55+ (vs 85% of those under 35 and 86% aged 35-54).
Comparatively, 64% agree that they feel more connected to their community while 58% agree that they feel more connected to people across the country. There is a notable drop in the feeling of connectedness among those aged 55 and over.
- Aged 18-34: 68% community / 66% country
- Aged 35-54: 74% community / 67% country
- Aged 55+: 51% community / 44% country
Feelings of thankfulness largely overshadow negativity during the winter holiday season.
A quarter (23%) of U.S. adults believe that the winter holiday season is primarily a time to give thanks. Nine in 10 U.S. adults (88%) at least somewhat agree that the winter holiday season serves as a reminder to be thankful for the things they have; 46% strongly agree.
Conversely, 62% agree that they’re reminded of the things missing from their life during the winter holiday season; 24% strongly agree. Only 39% of U.S. adults at least somewhat agree that the winter holiday season adds too much stress to their life; 11% strongly agree.
Methodology:
This survey was conducted online in the United States by The Harris Poll from October 28, 2022 to October 31, 2022 among 1,031 U.S. adults, 18+. Figures for age, sex, race and ethnicity, education, region, household income, and propensity to be online have been weighted where necessary to bring them into line with their actual proportions within the US population. Respondents for this survey were selected from a pool of potential respondents who have agreed to participate in The Harris Poll’s online research. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/- 4.0 percentage points using a 95% confidence level.
