While it may not be politically correct to say it in all circles, a new survey shows most Canadians favour the term “Merry Christmas” over “Happy Holidays.”
In a study of more than 1,500 adults across the country, the Angus Reid Institute and University of Lethbridge tried to gauge how people feel about the debate that seems to pop up every December.
Its results found that the vast majority of respondents – 80 per cent – prefer to call this time of year Christmas instead of the holiday season.
“So it doesn’t really matter if your card says ‘happy holidays’ or if the mall has signs that say ‘seasons greetings,’” says the company’s senior vice-president, Shachi Kurl.
Though the poll didn’t touch on people’s feelings about the political correctness of the term they prefer, participants were asked about the significance, meaning and celebration of Dec. 25.
Regardless of religious or cultural background, nearly all respondents – 94 per cent – said spending time with friends and family is what makes Christmas special. More than three-quarters – 76 per cent – felt that the best part of the day is the breather it provides from everyday life.
Kurl said one of the most surprising findings is how Canadians feel about the religious aspect of the day: 54 per cent said what makes Christmas special is “celebrating the birth of Christ.”
“Getting half of Canadians to agree to anything is pretty remarkable. Canadians are taking back more of the spirituality of Christmas,” she told CTV Vancouver.
Two-in-five Canadians – 37 per cent – said they would attend a Christmas service – twice as many as those who say they normally attend monthly or more.
