A survey released on December 15 by the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press reveals a mixed attitude by average Americans to the "Christmas wars". In response to one question, 60% of those surveyed say they prefer the greeting "Merry Christmas" over "Happy Holidays". However when given the option of answering that the form of greeting doesn't matter to them, 45% chose that alternative and 12% said they prefer a less religious greeting than "Merry Christmas".
In response to another question, 83% of respondents favored the display of Christmas symbols on public property, but only 44% supported them if they are displayed alone without symbols of other traditions. Finally, more Americans said they are bothered at least to some extent by the commercialization of Christmas (52%) than were concerned about opposition to religious symbols in public places (35%).
