Brits wreck Christmas surprises by ‘by accident’ strolling in on key festive second
A third of British adults have accidentally walked in on Christmas gift wrapping, spoiling surprises for loved ones, so a major hotel chain is going to help families preserve the Christmas magic
Over a third of hapless Brits have unintentionally spoiled their own Christmas surprises by stumbling upon their gifts being wrapped, according to a survey by Travelodge. A regretful 36% admitted to ruining their own surprise by inadvertently walking into the room where presents were being wrapped.
A disgruntled one in five (20%) of those caught red-handed feel there’s no point in wrapping gifts once the surprise is out. The research also revealed that more than half of adults (52%) wish they had more privacy while wrapping presents for their loved ones.
Two-fifths (40%) of parents confessed they’re concerned about their children discovering their gifts before Christmas Day. For a third of Brits (33%), the worst part about people, especially children, finding their presents early is that it spoils the magic of Christmas.
One in six (16%) embarrassed parents admitted their child found out Santa wasn’t real after catching them wrapping presents. In an effort to maintain secrecy, just under half (41%) are coming up with new hiding places for presents each year, while 12% resort to wrapping gifts at a friend’s house.
December 20th was identified as the most popular day for wrapping presents in the run-up to Christmas, with over one in ten (11%) leaving it until Christmas Eve. The survey also found that more than a quarter (26%) of Brits would consider booking a hotel room for extra privacy when wrapping Christmas presents, while others opt for shop counters (12%), work (7%) and even their car.
In response to this, Travelodge will unveil dedicated ‘wrapping rooms’ at its London Chiswick High Road, Manchester Piccadilly and Edinburgh Central hotels on Wednesday 10th December.
This initiative will alleviate stress for parents, guardians and anyone wanting to avoid being caught red-handed whilst wrapping. The rooms are complimentary to reserve for a 75-minute session and arrive fully equipped with all the wrapping paper, tape and finishing touches required.
Spaces will also be festively adorned and visitors will receive refreshments and a mince pie for the complete Christmas atmosphere. A Travelodge representative commented: “We want to preserve the magic of Christmas and ensure the festive build-up is as stress-free as possible.
“When the research found that many Brits already consider a hotel room the ideal wrapping spot, we realised we had to step in. Wrapping gifts should be a relaxing experience, which is free from the fear of others walking in.
“If you need to keep your present prep under wraps this Christmas, you’d better get a Travelodge – either one of our free wrapping rooms or an overnight stay.”
Patrons can reserve 75-minute sessions on Wednesday, 10th December from 09:00-17:15 at Travelodge’s London Chiswick High Road, Manchester Piccadilly and Edinburgh Central hotels.
The complimentary ‘wrapping rooms’ are available to book from today by emailing PR. [email protected]. uk.
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