New Poll Shows Americans Want Holiday Celebration That Money Can't Buy

84% Want Less Materialistic Holiday, Over Half are Planning to Simplify
Kids' Art/Essay Contest Winners Aim to Set Parents Straight

New American Dream Holiday Poll 2000

Takoma Park, MD - Before you head out to the mall to buy 2000's "hot holiday gift," you might want to save your money. On what is traditionally one of retail's busiest shopping days, a new poll shows that most Americans want a less materialistic holiday this year. According to a survey released by the Center for a New American Dream, a non-profit organization that promotes responsible consumption, a whopping 84% of Americans would prefer a less materialistic holiday, with more emphasis on the things money can't buy. Fifty five percent of those surveyed said they plan to spend less money or otherwise simplify their holiday celebration this year.

"Millions of Americans still see the holidays as a time of celebration, caring and meaning, despite the best efforts of Madison Avenue," said Betsy Taylor, executive director of the Center for a New American Dream, which commissioned the survey. "Retailers will have you believe that the holidays are about stuff. This poll shows that money can't buy what Americans want most this holiday season."

Art/Essay Contest Winners Want "A Happy Heart" & More Time With Parents
As part of its annual Simplify the Holidays campaign, the Center for a New American Dream also announced the winner of a kids art/essay contest, in which young people were asked to create an essay or art piece titled: What I Really Want That Money Can't Buy.

Six year-old Lydia Park of Edina, Minnesota won for her artwork "A Happy Heart," and 14 year-old Erika Conant of Johnson City, Tennessee won for an essay expressing her desire for parents to spend more time with their kids. The winners were chosen from over 1,700 entries. Both children received a $1,000 education savings account from Citizens Funds.

Simplifytheholidays.org Packed With Practical Tips For A Happier Holiday
To help the overwhelming number of Americans who would like a less materialistic holiday, the Center for a New American Dream's holiday website www.simplifytheholidays.org is loaded with suggestions for a simpler, more joyful holiday celebration. Visitors to the site can download the free brochure "Simplify the Holidays" and can even post their own tips for creative, less expensive ways to celebrate the holidays.

Poll Highlights*

Materialism Out, Meaning In

  • 84% would prefer a less materialistic holiday, with more emphasis on the things that money can't buy.

Marketing to Kids a Huge Burden

  • 76% of Americans feel that excessive holiday advertising and marketing to kids is taking the joy and meaning out of the season

Parents Working Harder to Meet Holiday Expenses

  • One out of every three parents with children under 18 is working more hours to earn money for holiday spending.

Simpler is Better

  • 55% of those surveyed plan to spend less money or otherwise simplify their holiday celebration this year.

* Poll Commissioned by the Center for a New American Dream and conducted on November 2-5, 2000 by Opinion Research Corporation International. The survey was administered by phone to 1035 adults nationwide. Findings from the survey have a margin of error of +/- 2% with a 95% level of confidence.