51% of Texans Say Elf on the Shelf Is Creepy, Survey Finds

DALLAS — A new national holiday survey suggests many Texans are not feeling the festive spirit when it comes to Elf on the Shelf.

According to a study on America’s biggest Christmas debates, 51% of Texans say the popular holiday elf is creepy, while 49% still find it charming. Texas is among more than 30 states where residents lean toward the elf being more unsettling than cute.

The survey also highlights a few other strong opinions among Texans when it comes to Christmas traditions. In Texas, 77% say regifting is acceptable, and 71% prefer artificial Christmas trees over real ones. Opinions on turkey are nearly split, with 53% of Texans calling it a holiday essential and 47% saying it is overrated.

When it comes to music, Texans overwhelmingly voted “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” as the most annoying Christmas song.

How Texas Compares Nationally

Nationally, many Texans’ opinions fall in line with broader U.S. trends, according to the study:

• 53% of Americans say Elf on the Shelf is creepy, with 31 states agreeing
• 60% of Americans prefer fake Christmas trees to real ones
• 73% of Americans say regifting is acceptable, with nearly every state in agreement
• 56% of Americans say turkey is overrated
• 51% say Secret Santa beats traditional gift exchanges
• 53% consider Die Hard a Christmas movie

The study found Delaware drivers disagreed the most with Elf on the Shelf, with more than 80% calling it creepy, while several states in the South and Northeast continued to defend the tradition.

A Season Full Of Opinions

From fake trees and gift swapping to holiday music and movie debates, the report shows few traditions are universally loved. Even dessert and drinks sparked strong preferences nationally. Pie remained the favorite holiday sweet, while eggnog beat out mulled wine as the most popular seasonal drink.

In true Texas fashion, some traditions split the state right down the middle. Whether the elf belongs on the mantle or in storage, one thing is clear: Texans take Christmas opinions seriously.

About The Survey

Casino.ca surveyed 3,000 Americans on 15 major Christmas-related topics and mapped results by state to uncover nationwide trends and regional differences.