Most Filipinos think Christmas is more important than Easter, according to a recent nationwide survey.

The results of the survey by the Social Weather Stations (SWS), which were released yesterday, also showed that Christmas is preferred over Easter in all regions in the country.

Some 57 percent of respondents nationwide chose Christmas over Easter the SWS said, with only 36 percent feeling the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus as the most important Christian event.

On a regional basis, Visayas had the highest proportion of Christmas lovers with 65 percent holding the birth of Jesus closer to their hearts.

The SWS said its survey showed preference for Christmas over Easter also tends to be higher among the lower classes.