Lifestyle

71% Will Decorate Their Home for the Holidays

More Americans than ever plan to decorate their homes this holiday season, but most haven't finished the job yet.

Seventy-one percent (71%) of American Adults say they will decorate this year, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. This finding is a seven-point increase from last year  and the highest number of home decorators in surveys for several years. Twenty-one percent (21%) will not decorate this holiday season. Eight percent (8%) haven't made up their minds yet. (To see survey question wording, click here).

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The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on December 1-2, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

48% Have Started Holiday Gift Shopping, 14% Are Finished

Black Friday and Cyber Monday have come and gone, and a few more Americans have started - and finished - their holiday shopping.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 48% of American Adults now have started their shopping for the holidays, up from 37% two weeks ago.  Forty-nine percent (49%) still have not begun yet. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook. 

This survey of 1,000 Adults nationwide was conducted on December 1-2, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

85% Have A Lot to be Thankful For This Thanksgiving

Americans overwhelmingly believe they have a lot to be thankful for, and roughly half still consider Thanksgiving one of the nation's most important holidays.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 85% of American Adults think they have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. Just nine percent (9%) do not, the lowest of pessimism since 2009.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook. 

This survey of 1,000 Adults nationwide was conducted on November 24-25, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

43% Will Have Thanksgiving Dinner At Home

Most Americans will eat their Thanksgiving dinner at home or at a relative's house again this year.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 43% of American Adults plan to have Thanksgiving dinner at home tomorrow. Just as many (42%) will celebrate at a relative’s home, generally unchanged from last year. Six percent (6%) will eat at a friend’s home, while three percent (3%) each will dine at a restaurant or will not have Thanksgiving dinner at all. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook. 

This survey of 1,000 Adults nationwide was conducted on November 24-25, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology. 

22% Are Planning to Travel This Thanksgiving

Although an early winter storm has threatened much of the East Coast, more Americans plan to travel this Thanksgiving, compared to last year.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 22% of American Adults intend to travel away from home for the holiday, up from 18% a year ago. Seventy-six percent (76%) have no travel plans, but three percent (3%) haven't decided yet. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook. 

This survey of 1,000 Adults nationwide was conducted on November 24-25, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

40% Are Responsible for the Care of a Parent

While grown children are staying at home longer, many adults, on the other end of the spectrum, have a parent living with them.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 40% of American Adults say they or someone they know are responsible for the care of at least one parent. Nearly as many (37%) have at least one parent living with them or know someone who does. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update ? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter  or Facebook.
The national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on November 20-21, 2011 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC . See methodology. 

45% Are Not Exchanging Holiday Gifts This Year

Half of adults intend to spend less on gifts this holiday season,  and many are doing so by making plans not to exchange gifts at all.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 45% of American Adults have made arrangements with friends or family to not exchange gifts this year. Just as many (46%) have made no such arrangements. Nine percent (9%) more are not sure yet. (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook. 

The survey of 1,000 Adults nationwide was conducted on November 18-19, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

64% Believe U.S. Children Less Physically Fit Than Kids in Other Countries

An overwhelming majority of adults nationwide believe today’s children are not getting enough exercise, especially in America, and think it's up to their parents to do something about it.

Just 15% of American Adults believe that children today get enough exercise, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Seventy-five percent (75%) disagree (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on November 20-21, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

44% Are Less Likely to Shop at Stores Open on Thanksgiving

A lot more stores are opening on Thanksgiving Day in hopes of getting a bigger share of the Black Friday sales crowd, but a large number of Americans appear turned off by the idea.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just eight percent (8%) of American Adults say they are more likely to shop at a store that opens on Thanksgiving Day to get a jump on Black Friday deals. Forty-four percent (44%) say they are less likely to shop at a store that opens on the holiday. Another 44% says it will have no impact on their shopping plans. (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook. 

The survey of 1,000 Adults nationwide was conducted on November 18-19, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology. 

9% Have Already Finished Their Holiday Shopping

Black Friday is more than a week away, but a sizable number of Americans have already started their holiday gift shopping. A growing number are doing so through online vendors.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 37% of American Adults have started their holiday shopping. That’s up from 32% last year at this time but is more in line with prior years. Sixty-one percent (61%) have not yet begun to shop. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook. 

The survey of 1,000 Adults nationwide was conducted on November 18-19, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

56% See More Grown Children Living With Parents As Bad for Economy

Fewer Americans know families who have grown children living at home these days, but most still view this practice as a negative for the economy.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 77% of American Adults believe it is more common now for grown children to live with their parents than it was 20 years ago. That’s down from 86% in November 2011. Just nine percent (9%) don’t think this practice is more common, while 14% are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

(Want a free daily e-mail update ? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter  or Facebook .

The national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on November 16-17, 2011 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC . See methodology. 

46% Oppose Electronic Cigarette Smoking in Public Areas

While a sizable number of Americans consider electronic cigarettes to be safer than traditional cigarettes, a plurality doesn’t want people smoking them in public areas.

Thirty-one percent (31%) of American Adults believe smoking electronic cigarettes is more safe than smoking traditional cigarettes. But a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 29% believe the health risk is about the same between the two, and another 32% are not sure which is safer. Just eight percent (8%) believe smoking e-cigarettes is less safe than smoking ordinary cigarettes. (To see question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook. 

The survey of 1,000 Adults nationwide was conducted on November 12-13, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

40% of Americans Prefer to Drink Wine, 34% Beer

When Americans drink alcohol, they prefer wine over any other type of spirit.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 40% of American Adults say wine is their alcohol of choice. Thirty-four percent (34%) reach for a beer first. Just 20% prefer hard liquor, while two percent (2%) opt for something else. (To see survey question wording, click here).

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The national telephone survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted by Rasmussen Reports on November 10-11, 2013. The margin of sampling error for the survey is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Fieldwork for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology. 

38% Drink Alcohol At Least Once a Week

Social lubricant or relaxing pastime? Most Americans enjoy a good drink every now and then, but they’re divided between drinking for enjoyment or just to socialize.

Thirty-eight percent (38%) of American Adults now say they drink alcoholic beverages at least once a week, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. That includes 16% who say they drink about once a week, 13% who drink several times a week and nine percent (9%) who have a drink every day or nearly every day. That’s generally unchanged from 2010. Eight percent (8%) say they drink several times a month, while 18% drink occasionally. 

Thirty-six percent (36%) say they rarely or never drink alcohol, up from 29% three years ago. (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook. 

The survey of 1,000 Adults nationwide was conducted on November 10-11, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

25% of Americans Have or Will Contribute Money to Philippines Relief Effort

Following the devastating typhoon that hit the Philippines leaving thousands dead and many more displaced, one-in-four Americans is contributing money to the relief effort. But few are very confident that money will actually reach those who need it.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 25% of American Adults say they have or will contribute money to the Philippines relief effort. Fifty-one percent (51%) don't plan to do so, but another 25% are undecided at this time. The number of Americans pledging financial support for the Philippines is lower than the number who did so following the Haitian earthquake in 2010. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on November 12-13, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

39% Think Common Core Standards Likely to Improve Student Achievement

Forty-five states have adopted new national education standards known as Common Core, and nearly half of Americans think that's a good idea. But fewer adults are confident that the new standards will improve student achievement.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 49% of American Adults favor requiring all schools nationwide to meet the same Common Core education standards. Twenty-eight percent (28%) are opposed, while nearly as many (23%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)  

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on November 8-9, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology. 

56% Oppose Use of Standardized Tests as Chief Measure of School Performance

Standardized testing is increasingly becoming the norm in school districts to determine how well a school and its teachers are doing, but most Americans oppose that practice.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 28% of American Adults think student scores on standardized tests should be the major factor in determining how well a school is doing. Twice as many (56%) disagree with the use of these tests as the chief measurement. Seventeen percent (17%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on November 8-9, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

47% Plan Something Special to Honor Veterans Day

Nearly half of Americans say they will honor the nation's fallen this Veterans Day.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 47% of American Adults plan to do something special to celebrate Veterans Day and honor those who have given their lives for their country. Thirty-five percent (35%) don’t plan on observing the holiday, but 17% are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on November 6-7, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Just 10% Say They Are Smokers

Fewer Americans than ever now say they smoke cigarettes, but fewer also want smoking outlawed completely.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 10% of American Adults say they currently smoke, the lowest in nearly five years of surveying. More than ever (60%) now say they have never smoked, while 30% used to smoke but quit. (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook. 

The survey of 1,000 Adults nationwide was conducted on October 31-November 1, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology. 

Americans Say 18 Is Old Enough to Vote or Be in Military, But Not to Smoke

Most Americans think even though someone is old enough to vote or die for their country, they're not mature enough yet to decide whether they want to smoke. 

Only 29% of American Adults favor raising the current voting age from 18 to 21, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Sixty-four percent (64%) oppose raising the legal age to vote. (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook. 

The survey of 1,000 Adults nationwide was conducted on October 31-November 1, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.