A survey conducted by YouGov PLC, a polling agency, found that 63 percent of people would prefer it if someone gave a meaningful gift to someone else this Christmas rather than give a gift to them.
YouGov’s survey, which included participants from nine countries, also found that 76 percent of participants said focusing on people in need is important this Christmas. Further, the majority of people in 6 countries have either maintained or increased their charitable donations despite the lockdowns from the pandemic affecting their income.
The survey also polled people on whether they were optimistic about 2021, with 67 percent of respondents thinking 2021 will be better than 2020. Additionally, 69 percent said in 2021 “we could put the pandemic behind us.”
World Vision’s International President and CEO Andrew Morley said of the suvey — “This year has been a difficult one for all of us around the world and vulnerable children have been especially affected. It’s heart-warming to see the giving spirit is still alive globally, and encouraging to see how much people want to help one another. I was moved to hear that it was in some of the countries where people have been worst affected by the pandemic or other catastrophes – South Africa, India, and Lebanon – people are still thinking about helping others.”
The survey also found that 70 percent of respondents said visiting friends and family on Christmas is bringing people hope.