A new survey gives credence to those who say the religious meaning of Christmas is being lost.

Only half of Americans consider the holiday religious, although nearly three-quarters said they believed Jesus was born to a virgin, a poll released Wednesday by the Pew Research Center found.

One-third consider Christmas a cultural celebration, the poll says.

Only 54 percent said they will attend a Christmas religious service this year, although 69 percent said they did as children. The survey of more than 2,000 people was conducted earlier this month.

Church attendance will be higher than usual during the holiday. But the survey found fewer adults are holding to the tradition of attending worship services.

Meanwhile, 86 percent say they will gather with extended family or friends and will buy gifts for them.