Americans want ‘more Jesus’ in their Christmas, survey finds

Christmas is a time for family, faith and a little bit of controversy.

This year it’s a set of atheist billboards featuring a fictional letter from a little girl who lost her religion and said she’s too old for fairy tales.

“Dear Santa,” the billboard reads, “All I want for Christmas is to skip church.”

No thanks, say most Americans, according to a new survey from Nashville-based LifeWay Research.

Most Americans believe Christmas goes better with a visit to church, religious Christmas songs in public school concerts and more focus on Jesus. 

Christmas traditions

“Christmas traditions that have nothing to do with the Christian faith continue to multiply,” said Scott McConnell, vice president of LifeWay Research. “Still most Americans want more of Jesus in their Christmas rather than less.”

Among the survey’s findings:

• Church remains an essential part of Christmas. Nearly two-thirds (63 percent) of Americans agree Christmas should include a trip to church.

Younger Americans are least interested in church at Christmas time. Fewer than 4 in 10 of those 18 to 24 say church is an essential part of Christmas. 

• Americans prefer the sacred to the secular at Christmas. Eight out of 10 Americans (79 percent) agree with the statement: “Christmas should be more about Jesus.” About 1 in 5 (18 percent) disagree. Three percent are not sure.
• Americans want to keep Christ in Christmas. Seven in 10 Americans believe “Christmas would be a better experience if it had a more Christian focus.” One in 4 (26 percent) disagree, while 4 percent are not sure. 
• Most people are fine with the phrase “Happy Holidays.” Less than a third (29 percent) agree with the statement, “It is offensive when people say Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas.” 
• Some are bothered by “X-mas.” About 4 in 10 (39 percent) say using “X-mas” is offensive. More than half (55 percent) disagree, while 6 percent are not sure.
• Theology remains a bit shaky, even at Christmas. A little more than half (56 percent) agree with the statement, “God’s Son existed before Jesus was born in Bethlehem.” Three in 10 (29 percent) disagree. Fifteen percent are not sure.

  (LifeWay)