Feeling the pressure to have a perfect Christmas
A third of respondents say that they feel under pressure to have a perfect Christmas (32%). It seems that those in their 30s and 40s are feeling the strain to have a flawless Christmas more than others - 40% of those aged 35 to 44 feel under pressure for things to be just right, compared with 25% of those aged 18 to 24 and 29% of those aged 55 plus.
Christmas would be more enjoyable if there wasn’t so much to do
According to the survey, Christmas for 1 in 4 of us would be more enjoyable if there wasn’t so much to do (26%) and 1 in 5 say that they would take greater pleasure in the festivities if they didn’t have to buy presents for others (18%). The research also reveals that for some, Christmas would be a happier time if it didn’t bring painful memories to the surface (12%).
People want to feel relaxed (and loved) over Christmas
Half of adults living in Britain say that more than anything else they want to feel relaxed over Christmas (48%) – making this a top priority for both men and women. Alongside feeling tranquil, the survey reveals that people also want to feel loved during the festive season - though this is more of a desire for women than men (31 to 21%).
Andrew McCulloch, the Mental Health Foundation’s Chief Executive, says:
“It is not surprising that so many people want to escape Christmas altogether, there is a huge amount of pressure to have a good time and for everything to be perfect. In reality, it can be difficult.
Certain people find it too hectic, others dread family tensions, and for some it can be a sad or lonely time. Take small steps to organise your Christmas so that you don’t feel like you need a holiday by the time New Year arrives.”
Regional results
Scotland
38% would escape Christmas altogether if they could
38% feel under pressure to have a perfect Christmas
31% would enjoy Christmas more if there wasn’t so much to do
17% would enjoy Christmas more if they didn’t have to buy presents
55% want to feel relaxed more than anything else at Christmas
23% want to feel loved more than anything else at Christmas
North
29% would escape Christmas altogether if they could
32% feel under pressure to have a perfect Christmas
25% would enjoy Christmas more if there wasn’t so much to do
20% would enjoy Christmas more if they didn’t have to buy presents
49% want to feel relaxed more than anything else at Christmas
23% want to feel loved more than anything else at Christmas
Midlands and Wales
27% would escape Christmas altogether if they could
29% feel under pressure to have a perfect Christmas
26% would enjoy Christmas more if there wasn’t so much to do
18% would enjoy Christmas more if they didn’t have to buy presents
46% want to feel relaxed more than anything else at Christmas
28% want to feel loved more than anything else at Christmas
South
29% would escape Christmas altogether if they could
32% feel under pressure to have a perfect Christmas
26% would enjoy Christmas more if there wasn’t so much to do
14% would enjoy Christmas more if they didn’t have to buy presents
51% want to feel relaxed more than anything else at Christmas
26% want to feel loved more than anything else at Christmas
London
30% would escape Christmas altogether if they could
32% feel under pressure to have a perfect Christmas
25% would enjoy Christmas more if there wasn’t so much to do
19% would enjoy Christmas more if they didn’t have to buy presents
44% want to feel relaxed more than anything else at Christmas
29% want to feel loved more than anything else at Christmas
Notes to editors
For more information or to arrange an interview, please telephone the press office team on 020 7803 1126 / 1128 (24 hours press mobile 07967 586489).
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1,994 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 30 November – 3 December, 2007. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).
The Mental Health Foundation helps people survive, recover from and prevent mental health problems
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