The FINANCIAL — The season of giving thanks is upon us and many Americans are increasingly thankful. Over four in ten adults (41%) say they have more to be thankful for than they did a few years ago, while just 15% say they have less to be thankful for. Over one third (36%) say they have about as much to be thankful for.
Younger generations are especially thankful, with Millennials and Gen Xers particularly likely to say they have more to be thankful for (53% Millennials & 46% Gen Xers vs. 33% Baby Boomers & 24% Matures). Nearly half of women (47%), compared to just one third of men (35%), say they have more to be thankful for this year.
These are some of the results of The Harris Poll® of 2,225 U.S. adults surveyed online between October 14 and 19, 2015.
Thankfulness abounds
Reasons to be thankful are certainly plentiful. Vast majorities each say they’re thankful this year for the health of their family (84%), their family relationships (84%), and because technology makes it easy to stay in touch with family and friends (75%).
Over half each also say they’re thankful because good technology is easily accessible (65%), because of their own personal economic situation (61%), and because of their work situation (57%). However, the same can’t be said for the economy as a whole. Fewer than three in ten (28%) say they’re thankful for the economic situation in the U.S., though it’s worth noting that this represents a considerable improvement over just two years ago (when only 17% of Americans indicated the same).
Perhaps they’re naïve, or maybe just optimistic, but nearly four in ten (39%) Millennials say they’re thankful for the U.S. economic situation, compared to one quarter or less of all other generations (25% Gen Xers, 23% Baby Boomers & 23% Matures).
While nearly half (46%) say they’re thankful because it’s safe to walk the streets, this sees a 6 point drop from two years ago. And people could perhaps stand to be a little nicer to each other as well this holiday season: just 32% of Americans say they’re thankful for the way people treat each other.
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