A study of 2,000 adults who celebrate the festive season found 17 per cent will start discussing the following year’s plans while still celebrating. This is down to 43 per cent wanting to get organised and plan ahead. Thinking about why they like to get organised, 55 per cent like the control aspect, while 43 per cent said it allows them to relax.
And 45 per cent do so because they reckon they get the best value for money on whatever they need to buy for the big day. With 60 per cent of those polled planning on hosting Christmas-related activities over the festive period this year, it’s clear being ahead of the game is key.
The study by DFS found Christmas shopping plans commence between 1st and 15th October, but presents aren’t actually bought until a month later in the first two weeks of November. And a fifth start planning their festive food menu in the first two weeks of December, with food preparation happening throughout the same month (17 per cent).
Despite nearly one in four (23 per cent) feeling pressure to ensure all arrangements are completed a minimum of three weeks ahead of 25th December, 27 per cent still love playing host. The research found as well as planning food menus, buying presents and who will host, adults will also make decisions on what scent their home should smell of, what time they need to start cooking on the big day and where everyone will sit.
A spokesperson for the furniture retailer:
“For many, planning arrangements are an important part of Christmas, and those who are hosting want to ensure they have everything they need in the house and that their home looks perfect for the occasion.
“For some, this might be the first Christmas in a few years that they’ve been able to invite people through the door or even their first EVER, so it’s understandable that it’s an important and exciting time you want to plan for.”
The study also found 15 per cent of respondents enjoy being the person that turns up to someone else’s home and gets ‘looked after’ without having to lift a finger.
More than half (51 per cent) feel comfortable hosting a larger group of people in their home – but of those who don’t it’s because they don’t think their humble abode has enough space (47 per cent).
In addition to thinking about where their guests will sit at the table and how much space they have, more than a quarter (26 per cent) believe home décor plays an important part in their Christmas prep.
The research, conducted via OnePoll, revealed 44 per cent of hosting adults are looking forward to inviting people into their home, although 29 per cent are feeling stressed about the prospect.
Just over half (51 per cent) of those polled reckon they take the lion’s share of planning and organising for the festive period, with just 36 per cent saying their partner or significant other does. When it comes to hosting within their family, 32 per cent said they take it in turns, with 23 per cent saying someone other than themselves takes the bulk of the entertaining within their family.
It also emerged, despite a number of adults liking to get ahead of themselves and their festive planning, 33 per cent prefer not to hear even a whisper of the ‘C’ word until Halloween is done and dusted.
A spokesperson for DFS:
“It feels like everyone wants to be considered to be a good host – whether that’s ensuring all the food prep is done ahead of the big day so you can entertain guests or ensuring everyone has a comfortable place to put their feet up.
“Our study has shown that getting ready for the festive time of year is about so much more than food, drinks and presents – ensuring everyone is having a good time, there is good entertainment, and a comfortable space is also important.”
