---
title: "What do Americans like least about Christmas? Follow the money."
description: "A third of Americans say commercialism is what they like least about the holidays."
date: "2013-12-19"
authors:
  - name: "Michael Lipka"
    job_title: "Associate Director, Research"
    link: "https://www.pewresearch.org/staff/michael-lipka/"
url: "https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2013/12/19/what-do-americans-like-least-about-christmas-follow-the-money/"
---

# What do Americans like least about Christmas? Follow the money.

[![FT_Material](https://www.pewresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2013/12/FT_Material.png)](https://assets.pewresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2013/12/FT_Material.png)

A new [Pew Research Center survey](https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2013/12/18/celebrating-christmas-and-the-holidays-then-and-now/) asked respondents an open-ended question (with multiple responses accepted): What do you like the least about Christmas or the holiday season?

The three top responses all involve shopping or money: a third of Americans (33%) say they dislike the commercialism or materialism of the holidays; roughly one-in-five (22%) cite the high expenses of the season or the expectation of buying gifts; and one-in-ten (10%) mention shopping or crowded stores.

Nevertheless, the overwhelming majority of the public (86%) plan to buy gifts this year. Americans may be spending somewhat less on Christmas gifts than in previous years, but they’re still forking over a considerable amount. Americans will spend an average of $740 this year on the holiday, down from $770 last year, according to a [Gallup poll](http://www.gallup.com/poll/166226/consumers-holiday-spending-intentions-remain-modest.aspx). (The figure declined sharply in the midst of the recession, falling from $866 in 2007 to $616 in 2008; it has since rebounded somewhat, but not to pre-recession peaks.)

[![FT_christmas-look-forward-to](https://assets.pewresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2013/12/FT_christmas-look-forward-to.png)](https://assets.pewresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2013/12/FT_christmas-look-forward-to.png)

Our [Christmas survey](https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2013/12/18/celebrating-christmas-and-the-holidays-then-and-now/) also asked what people look forward to the most about Christmas. A majority (69%) say they look forward to spending time with family and friends. A smaller number say they look forward to the religious elements of the holiday (11%). By comparison, 4% cite giving or exchanging gifts, and 1% mention shopping.