NEW YORK- Christmas remains the most widely celebrated holiday in New York, with nearly nine in 10 residents marking the occasion, according to new results from the Siena College Research Institute.
The poll shows that traditional holiday greetings continue to reflect political differences. Overall, “Merry Christmas” remains the most common greeting statewide, used by 53 percent of New Yorkers, while 38 percent say they prefer “Happy Holidays.”
When broken down by party affiliation, the divide becomes more pronounced. Nearly three-quarters of Republicans, 74 percent, say they use “Merry Christmas,” compared with 42 percent of Democrats. Democrats, by contrast, are more evenly split, with 42 percent saying they prefer “Happy Holidays.” Only 22 percent of Republicans reported using that greeting.
Despite differences in how New Yorkers express holiday cheer, participation in seasonal traditions remains strong across the state. The poll found that 89 percent of residents celebrate Christmas, and 74 percent decorate their homes for the holidays. Half of those surveyed said they put up an artificial Christmas tree.
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