New poll questions the popularity of Christmas

PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) - Hey it's your old Yuletide Buddy Hank out in Delaware County. There's a new poll out of Monmouth University that seems to question the popularity of Christmas over the last few years. My take is - believe it - Christmas is here to stay.

Long afternoon out at the Christmas tree farm in Chadds Ford and Mike Gifford's not feeling it.

"You know, people don't decorate as much you know, it doesn't seem as festive," he said.

He's not alone apparently. A poll out of Monmouth University today says 5% fewer Americans are celebrating Christmas than they were just two years ago… what gives? I rung up Monmouth Poll boss Patrick Murray.

"There's a lot of pessimism right now in the public just about the way life is going that they're not getting what they need out of the economy. Those things could turn around. And this idea that it's not important to celebrate Christmas might be part of this overall malaise that might blow over," Patrick said.

I don't know - I'm a die-hard. I've been doing Christmas my whole life. It's in my DNA. The dudes selling trees in Newtown Square feel the same way.

"Nah… it'll never change. For those of us who love it we keep it going strong and proud - it's just like the Eagles. If you love them, that's it."

And bundling up that tree and loading it onto a customer's car - that's all part of the celebration.

The Monmouth Poll also pointed out that Democrats are more likely to say "Happy Holidays" and Republicans mainly stick to "Merry Christmas." That's apparently what they're saying in West Chester.

One more thing… Monmouth rated your favorite Christmas specials. Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer topped out over Charlie Brown Christmas. "The Year Without a Santa Claus" - starring the Heatmiser? That came in 9th…. If you ask me, that's the real disgrace. I'm Hank - and that's my take.