Santa Claus Still Popular Among American Families: Poll

FILE - In this Dec. 12, 2011, file photo, Santa Claus gestures toward first lady Michelle Obama, at Childrens National Medical Center in Washington. Why do kids believe a chubby guy in a flying sleigh can deliver joy across America? Because their parents do. A whopping 84 percent of grown-ups were once children who trusted in Santa’s magic, and lots cling to it still. Things are changing fast these days, with toddlers wishing for iPads, grade schoolers emailing their Christmas lists and moms wrestling over bargain toys at midnight sales. Despite all the pressures on the rituals of the season, an AP-GfK poll confirms that families are sticking by old St. Nick. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

More than 8 in 10 American grown-ups believed in Santa Claus when they were children, according to a new survey.

And they're keeping the tradition alive. An AP-GfK poll finds that two-thirds of parents with kids under 18 consider Santa Claus an important part of their holiday this year.

In multicultural America, Santa isn't just for Christians. Three-fourths of non-Christian adults believed in Santa when they were tots, and half feel he's important to their seasonal celebrations now.

The median age when adults say they lost touch with Santa's magic? 8 years old.

Source: Yellowbrix

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