Exhausted America 2025: Cash Gifts and Early New Year Goodbyes

Wed Dec 17 2025 17:47:29 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A recent poll reveals that many Americans are opting for cash as holiday gifts, reflecting the exhaustion felt by many as they approach New Year's Eve. With a significant portion of the population planning to sleep through midnight, this article dives into the changing sentiments around holiday celebrations.

A new AP-NORC poll indicates that a majority of Americans are comfortable giving cash as holiday gifts and are likely to sleep before midnight on New Year's Eve. While many participants find cash practical, there is still some hesitation towards secondhand gifts. The survey reflects a broader trend of Americans feeling worn out yet still engaging in traditional holiday customs.

NEW YORK (PulseWire) — As 2025 draws near, an overwhelming portion of the American adult population displays a preference for cash gifts and early bedtimes. A recent poll conducted by AP-NORC reveals that about 60% of Americans view cash or gift cards as acceptable holiday presents, contrasting with more traditional options that include secondhand items.

“Cash is preferable for the grandkids, but I consider myself a gift giver,” shared Nancy Wyant, a 73-year-old resident of rural Iowa.

Despite her gift-giving tendencies, she, alongside a significant 44% of Americans, plans to be asleep before midnight on New Year’s Eve. This trend is particularly pronounced among older adults, with half of those aged 45 or over indicating they won't stay awake as the clock strikes midnight.

Another participant, 23-year-old Otis Phillips from Seattle, echoed sentiments of indifference towards the New Year celebrations. “For me, it’s just another holiday that doesn’t hold much significance,” he stated.

Cash: The New Holiday Favorite

The poll emphasizes a generational divide when it comes to gift preferences. Approximately 66% of adults under 45 favor cash as an acceptable holiday gift, compared to only 55% of those aged 45 or older.

“With everything being so pricey nowadays, I’d rather give cash than risk getting something they won’t like,” said Gabriel Antonucci, a 26-year-old cook in Alaska.

Moreover, a vast majority still find various gifting options acceptable, with 90% endorsing cash or gift cards, while 60% believe secondhand gifts pose a valid alternative.

Conversely, some, like 55-year-old Teresa Pedroza from Florida, resist the trend of giving cash, expressing it takes away from the magic of gift-giving.

Decorating Trends and Changing Traditions

Interestingly, around a third of surveyed U.S. adults intend to leave their holiday decorations up beyond January 1. Many, including Pedroza, confess that they only engage in holiday decorating when expecting guests.

As for Christmas Day festivities, about 25% of adults plan to watch sports, with male respondents significantly more likely to tune in than females.

Pet gifting also seems to have a place in this year’s holiday spirit. Nearly 30% of adults plan to spoil their pets with gifts, while less than 10% are familiar with the Elf on the Shelf tradition.

The poll, conducted between December 4-8 among 1,146 adults, highlights the sentiment of a weary population navigating gift-giving norms in a time of economic pressure.