A Coca-Cola survey found that just 39% of people do all the work to make Christmas a special time, with the rest of us being ‘partakers’ who let others plan, cook and do everything else
Just 39% of hardworking folk actually bring festive magic alive while the rest are “Christmas coasters”, a study found.
The majority are more Grinch than grafters when it comes to making December 25 special, according to the Coca-Cola survey.
The unsung heroes buy all the gifts, put up the decorations and get “really Christmassy”. But 61% are just “partakers” who let others plan, cook and keep festive traditions alive.
More than eight in 10 of Brits agree that there is usually one person in every family or friendship group, who makes Christmas truly magical.
The research found there’s a definitive list of signs that you’re part of the group of those who make Christmas happen. This includes planning and doing the festive food shop (41%), cooking the entire lunch, usually by yourself (37%), booking the turkey (32%), knowing what everyone likes and dislikes (45%) and never forgetting the crackers (38%).
Other signs of a Christmas “maker” are keeping family traditions alive (32%), always having tape and scissors (25%), knowing where all the decorations are (30%) and remaining calm under pressure (34%). Making Christmas pudding (20%) and being happy to sit in the worst seat during the family movie (13%) also are tell tale signs, the study claims.
Around three quarters of adults believe the festive season would be ‘rubbish’ without their dedicated Christmas maker. Mums (47%) are most likely to be the ones who make Christmas special, followed by older siblings (14%) and then dads (8%).
Despite 83% of Brits agreeing the ‘makers’ keep their family or friendship groups together, 19% admit they don’t always thank or show them appreciation.
Although simple gestures like a face-to-face thank you (67%), an extra present under the tree (16%), a ‘thank you’ text (13%) or social media shout-out (11%) are popular ways to show appreciation, many still fall short. A third say they assume their loved ones already know how valued they are, while one in five don’t think they expect a fuss.
According to the study, the unsung heroes and “stars of Christmas” start preparing seven weeks before the big day, spend an average of 20 hours thinking about, planning and buying presents, 15 hours cooking and food shopping, 14 hours decorating and 11 hours writing cards.
Charlotte Butt, of Coca-Cola Great Britain and Ireland, said: “We believe in spreading joy and recognising those who make special moments happen. We want to inspire the nation to give those unsung heroes the heartfelt thank you they truly deserve.”
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