Fewer than half of Americans who identify themselves as Christians say the most important part of Christmas is the birth of Jesus, according to a Barna Research Group study conducted for Lutheran Hour Ministries.

While 88 percent of the 1,006 people surveyed identified themselves as Christians, only 37 percent of them said Jesus' birth is the most significant aspect of Christmas. Family time was the most popular answer, with 44 percent of respondents saying it is what makes Christmas important to them. Over three-quarters of evangelicals polled said the most important aspect of Christmas is the birth of Christ. Among those who identified themselves as fundamentalists, only 32 percent gave that answer. For Catholics, the percentage was even lower, at 29 percent.

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