With Christmas around the corner, researchers asked the nation to vote for the things they feel most thankful for, and couldn’t imagine life without.
It appears we’re a sentimental bunch, with partners (57 percent) and mums (40 percent) topping the list. Four in ten (39 percent) feel lucky to have a fridge full of food (39 percent), while hot meals (38 percent), showers (38 percent), hugs (22 percent) and access to the Internet (38 percent) also featured high.
One in three (36 percent) of those polled said they cannot imagine life without a smartphone or television, while 35 percent are grateful, they can put the heating on and warm their home. Almost two thirds (64 percent) think this winter and Christmas will be tougher financially than last year, yet half (48 percent) are taking fewer things for granted as a result. In fact, 39 percent admit that they think more about those who are experiencing poverty in the winter.
The research comes from Virgin Media O2 as part of their promotion campaign to promote how they are helping more people in need access free mobile data, texts and calls by rolling out the National Databank to hundreds of O2 stores and increasing the amount of free data available to 25GB per month. The National Databank is also being rolled out to two major homelessness charities, Crisis and Change Please – Driving for Change – which support people experiencing, and at risk, of homelessness.
Rob Orr, Chief Operations Officer at Virgin Media O2:
“As we approach the season of goodwill, it’s heartening to see the nation is both grateful for the simple things in life such as their loved ones, but are thinking about others who are less fortunate, too.
“We’re helping people most affected by the cost-of-living crisis this Christmas by making the National Databank available in more places than ever before, and by increasing the amount of free O2 mobile data available so those that need it can get online, access essential services, and stay connected to loved ones.”
One in three (33 percent) admit that the festive season will be financially challenging, with 64 percent having to scale back their Christmas expenses. Those with an annual household income between £35,000 and £54,999 were the most concerned (67 percent). Fewer presents (65 percent), not going to festive parties and drinks (30 percent), cutting down on food in the run up (26 percent) and cutting down on cooking to save on gas and electricity (22 percent) are main ways the nation is cutting costs.
Things to be thankful for
1. My Partner – 57%
2. My mum – 40%
3. A comfy bed – 39%
4. A fridge full of food– 39%
5. Hot meals – 39%
6. Hot baths/showers – 38%
7. Access to the Internet – 38%
8. My smartphone – 36%
9. Being able to watch television – 36%
10. Being able to put the heating on – 35%
11. Music – 34%
12. My sibling – 33%
13. My dad – 31%
14. My pet – 30%
15. My best friend – 27%
16. Books – 25%
17. Films – 24%
18. Nature – 24%
19. Hugs – 22%
20. Holidays abroad – 21%
