Seven Out of Ten Say Christmas Will be Merrier in 2002

74 percent of respondents surveyed by My Merry Christmas.com say Christmas 2002 will be merrier because tougher times makes people more grateful.

More than seven out of ten people believe tougher times make for a merrier Christmas, according to a survey conducted by My Merry Christmas.com. With unemployment nearing six percent and ever-persistent rumors of war and unrest increasing, 74 percent of survey respondents say that Christmas 2002 will be merrier because folks will be more grateful for what they have.

Weve seen it in our site traffic too," said Jeff Westover, Editor of My Merry Christmas.com. In our many years online weve never seen this level of interest in traditional holiday topics. Letters from our readers are more nostalgic and were receiving more pleas for help than ever before. It is heartwarming and heartbreaking all at the same time."

More than 5,000 site visitors have taken the survey so far this year. Economic and political factors have definitely influenced a change in responses from when this survey has been conducted in the past. For example, in 2001 only 58 percent of survey respondents expressed the belief that being together is the most important part of the season. This year, 74 percent believe that to be true.

Belief in Santa Claus has risen this year too. In 2001, 56 percent of respondents expressed a belief in Santa. This year 76 percent do. Belief in Jesus Christ has risen from 65 percent last year to 81 percent this year.

The ongoing survey at My Merry Christmas.com is used to gauge reader attitudes about the holiday season. Periodic sampling of reader attitudes regarding seasonal spending plans, traditional observances and employment status are also tracked.

My Merry Christmas.com is a non-commercial all-Christmas portal serving merry readers online since 1991. Featuring the hugely popular Update from the North Pole, My Merry Christmas explores global interest as it relates to all things Christmas. Please visit the site at http://www.mymerrychristmas.com or email for further information to editor@mymerrychristmas.com.