2025 Holiday Season: A Cash-Driven Celebration with Early Nights

Wed Dec 17 2025 18:25:58 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A new poll reveals that exhausted Americans are opting for cash as holiday gifts and many plan to sleep through the New Year countdown, reflecting a shift in holiday traditions.

According to an AP-NORC poll, most Americans in 2025 find cash gifts acceptable, with 44% planning to sleep before the New Year. Younger generations favor cash due to expense concerns, while many prioritize convenience over traditional gifting. Additionally, trends show a tendency to keep holiday decorations up longer and engage in sports on Christmas Day, signaling a departure from conventional celebrations.

NEW YORK – As we step into the holiday season of 2025, a recent AP-NORC poll reveals a significant shift in how Americans are approaching gift-giving and celebrations. Most adults are finding comfort in cash as holiday gifts and prefer to hit the hay before the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve.

Approximately 60% of Americans consider cash or gift cards to be 'very' acceptable gifts, contrasting with a much lower acceptance for secondhand or re-gifted items. Cash is OK for the grandkids... But I’m a gift giver,” shared Nancy Wyant, 73, who plans to be fast asleep as the New Year arrives.

Interestingly, the research indicates that 44% of Americans won't stay up to celebrate the transition to 2026. Older adults, particularly those aged 45 and above, are the most likely to turn in early, with half indicating they won’t be awake at midnight, compared to one-third of younger adults.

Young adults appear to embrace cash gifts more readily, with two-thirds of those under 45 considering it a practical choice in light of today’s high expenses. Gabriel Antonucci, a 26-year-old ski resort cook, echoed the sentiments, emphasizing the practicality of cash gifts amid rising costs.

Some people still cherish the tradition of gift-giving, although sentiments vary. Teresa Pedroza, 55, expressed her reservations: “I don’t like it when kids say they want cash... it kind of takes some of the charm away from gift giving.”

Decorations and Celebrations Stretch Into January

Beyond gift-giving, the poll found that about one-third of U.S. adults keep their holiday decorations up well beyond New Year’s Day, a notable trend reflecting the tired attitudes toward post-holiday chores. “I’m tired of doing that,” admitted Pedroza.

While many plan to watch sports on Christmas Day, data shows that only about 5% will choose to go to a movie theater. Interestingly, the preference to watch sports is more pronounced among older adults compared to younger ones.

Among pet owners, about 30% plan to include their pets in the holiday gift-giving, while only 10% of adults engage in the 'Elf on the Shelf' tradition, indicating a more laid-back attitude towards holiday festivities.

The poll, conducted from December 4-8, involved 1,146 adults and boasts a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points, capturing a snapshot of holiday sentiments in an ever-evolving cultural landscape.