Christmas means spending time with family: Poll

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Two-thirds of people surveyed by Harris Interactive felt their loved ones were the most important aspect of Christmas, followed far behind by parties and presents.

"You hear the grumblings every year about 'I've got to spend time with my family, I've got to do this' ... but this is kind of what everyone wants to think the holiday season is about," said Regina Corso, director of polling for the firm.

Less than one in ten people said they looked forward to holiday dinners and parties, while six percent were eager to find and give gifts and four percent said they wanted to watch television specials and listen to holiday songs on the radio.

Of the 2,455 people polled in the online survey, only one percent admitted that what they looked forward to most was getting presents, while nine percent said they do were not excited about the holidays.

The poll also distinguished some small generational differences. Three-quarters of people 62 and older hope to spend time with family and friends, compared to 59 percent of 18 to 30 years olds, who were more likely to look forward to receiving gifts.

"There's still a little of the kid in them on that end," said Corso.

When asked to put personal feelings aside, the poll found people are split over what they think others feel about the holiday season.

Just over a third said most people believe the holidays are a chance to spend time with loved ones and celebrate traditions. The other two thirds were split between believing it's about presents and feeling that it's about both.

"Silent Night," was the top Christmas song followed by "White Christmas," "Oh Holy Night," "Jingle Bells," and "The Christmas Song."

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