Move Over Insta Perfection – Brits Crave Genuine Family Moments This Christmas…
Social media is driving up pressure for Brits to host the ‘perfect’ looking Christmas – but, for most, a bit of chaos and mess is all part of the fun, new research reveals. According to a new survey of a wide range of UK adults released by One4all Gift Cards, 43% say social media sets unrealistic expectations for how Christmas should look, with more than 1 in 3 (35%) admitting social media makes them feel their Christmas needs to look or feel perfect.
Luckily, a wise 48% feel Christmases shown on social media by celebrities and influencers don’t really reflect the truth of family Christmases.
Almost 1 in 2 (47%) admit spending more money than they anticipated at Christmas on decorations/household décor, outfits, food and drinks trying to achieve a festive look, with 32% saying they are influenced by celebrities and social media accounts to spend money on things to create the perfect look.
Buying new Christmas home accessories in line with emerging trends, such as Christmas wreaths and colour co-ordinated decorations (41%), matching Christmas pyjamas for the family (33%), giving Christmas Eve boxes or gifts (31%) and participating in elf on the shelf (26%) topped the list of the most popular festive social media trends that Brits have indulged in.
But in reality, just 7% say spending time in a festively decorated environment and getting photos is important to them on Christmas Day.
Instead, UK adults’ favourite Christmas moments involve simply spending time with loved ones (69%). And, in reality, a bit of chaos and mess is all part of the fun of a real British Christmas, for 63%. 89% admit they overspend in an attempt to find the perfect gift for a friend or family member – despite 45% admitting most of the time people get it wrong when buying gifts for them.
Lou Hickey, EMEA Marketing Director at One4all Gift Cards:
“Christmas is a special time of year for many people and our research shows that while social media can create pressure for perfection, many Brits embrace the joy of a real, lived-in Christmas. It’s encouraging to see that, beyond polished and curated social media posts, what truly matters most to people is spending quality time with loved ones, sharing meals, and enjoying the tradition of gift-giving.”
1,039 UK adults were polled for the findings.
