NEW YORK (AP) — As 2025 unfolds, America's holiday culture is shifting, with many adults preferring to give cash as gifts and planning to be asleep by midnight on New Year’s Eve, according to an AP-NORC poll. The results show that around 60% of Americans find cash or gift cards to be 'very' acceptable holiday presents. In contrast, secondhand or re-gifted items are received with less enthusiasm.
Nancy Wyant, 73, from central Iowa, admits she enjoys giving gifts but will be fast asleep well before 2026 arrives. The poll indicates that 44% of Americans plan to turn in early, with nearly half of those aged 45 or older not remaining awake until the New Year, compared to one-third of younger adults. Otis Phillips, a 23-year-old master’s student in Seattle, echoed this sentiment, stating that New Year's Eve lacks special significance for him.
The poll also highlights that cash is increasingly viewed as a practical gift among younger adults, with 66% of those under 45 supporting it compared to 55% of older adults. Gabriel Antonucci, 26, a ski resort cook in Alaska, noted the rising costs that make cash a safer option for gift-giving.
Another insight reveals the hesitance among some parents towards giving cash or gift cards, with Teresa Pedroza, a 55-year-old from Florida, suggesting it diminishes the charm of gift-giving, although she sometimes resorts to it for convenience. The poll indicates that younger adults are more accepting of secondhand gifts, whereas older generations show a stronger resistance.
Interestingly, holiday decorations often linger beyond the New Year—about one-third of U.S. adults intend to keep their décor up after January 1st. Additionally, sports viewing is popular on Christmas Day for about 25% of the adult population, with men and older adults showing greater interest than younger cohorts.
Finally, pet gifts are also on the rise, with 30% of adults planning to treat their pets this holiday season—much to the delight of pets like Indy, Wyant’s boxer-Great Dane mix. The holiday tradition of 'Elf on the Shelf' appears to have less traction, with only about 10% of adults planning to engage in it.
The AP-NORC poll surveyed 1,146 adults from December 4-8 and aims to represent the U.S. population accurately.
Nancy Wyant, 73, from central Iowa, admits she enjoys giving gifts but will be fast asleep well before 2026 arrives. The poll indicates that 44% of Americans plan to turn in early, with nearly half of those aged 45 or older not remaining awake until the New Year, compared to one-third of younger adults. Otis Phillips, a 23-year-old master’s student in Seattle, echoed this sentiment, stating that New Year's Eve lacks special significance for him.
The poll also highlights that cash is increasingly viewed as a practical gift among younger adults, with 66% of those under 45 supporting it compared to 55% of older adults. Gabriel Antonucci, 26, a ski resort cook in Alaska, noted the rising costs that make cash a safer option for gift-giving.
Another insight reveals the hesitance among some parents towards giving cash or gift cards, with Teresa Pedroza, a 55-year-old from Florida, suggesting it diminishes the charm of gift-giving, although she sometimes resorts to it for convenience. The poll indicates that younger adults are more accepting of secondhand gifts, whereas older generations show a stronger resistance.
Interestingly, holiday decorations often linger beyond the New Year—about one-third of U.S. adults intend to keep their décor up after January 1st. Additionally, sports viewing is popular on Christmas Day for about 25% of the adult population, with men and older adults showing greater interest than younger cohorts.
Finally, pet gifts are also on the rise, with 30% of adults planning to treat their pets this holiday season—much to the delight of pets like Indy, Wyant’s boxer-Great Dane mix. The holiday tradition of 'Elf on the Shelf' appears to have less traction, with only about 10% of adults planning to engage in it.
The AP-NORC poll surveyed 1,146 adults from December 4-8 and aims to represent the U.S. population accurately.
