A poll of 2,000 adults who celebrate the festive season has revealed the top 30 Christmas moments – including the first bite of Christmas dinner and eating chocolate for breakfast
According to a survey, Christmas isn’t complete without snuggling up for a festive flick, assembling the kids’ toys, or indulging in chocolate for brekkie.
The study of 2,000 adults revealed that witnessing a loved one’s joy as they unwrap their gifts, tracking Santa’s journey online, and savouring the first mouthful of Christmas dinner are all quintessential moments.
Other cherished traditions include indulging in seasonal goodies, unwrapping the gift you’ve been eagerly anticipating, embarking on a Christmas stroll with the family, dozing off on the sofa, and enjoying the company of multiple generations under one roof.
Interestingly, the poll also found that 46% dread missing out on these precious moments and rely on photos, video calls, and regular updates from their nearest and dearest to feel included in the festivities.
Moreover, 55% connect with friends and family digitally to share memorable moments, such as the kids tearing into their presents on the big day.
The research was commissioned by Virgin Media O2, which has now launched the National Databank across all O2 stores nationwide. The initiative offers free mobile data, texts, and calls to help those experiencing poverty stay connected this Christmas and beyond.
Nicola Green, a representative from the network, commented: “We know that Christmas is a magical time for so many across the country and has the power to bring people together – whether that’s in person or virtually.
“But there are some who could miss out on the magic of the festive season because they can’t afford mobile data.”
It came to light that more than half (58%) lean on online connections from video calls to social media to keep in touch with their nearest and dearest during the holiday season.
However, if they were cut off from the internet, 28% confess they’d feel down in the dumps if they couldn’t reach out to their mates or family, while 27% would miss bonding with them over the Christmas period, according to the OnePoll.com survey.
The poll also unveiled that a whopping 42% know someone who might find the Christmas period tough, whether it’s financially or emotionally.
And about one in five (19%) know someone, or several people, who are grappling with ‘data poverty’ – where they’re unable to fork out for enough data to do everything they need and want to do on the internet.
Nicola Green from Virgin Media O2 chimed in, saying: “Our National Databank with digital inclusion charity, Good Things Foundation, has already connected more than 200,000 people across the UK, and we want to support even more this Christmas.”
“If you’re struggling or know someone affected by data poverty, we’ll provide a free SIM with 25GB of monthly data, plus calls and texts for 12 months.”
“It’s all part of our work to close the digital divide and our commitment to providing data and devices to help people in need to get online.”
TOP 30 CHRISTMAS MOMENTS:
- Indulging in Christmas food and treats
- Decorating the Christmas tree and home
- Handing over a present you’re really excited to see someone open
- Opening a present you were really hoping to receive
- Cosying up for a Christmas movie as a family
- Seeing multiple generations of family together
- The first bite of a hard-earned Christmas dinner
- Christmas walk with the family
- Sending and receiving Christmas well wishes
- Taking a moment to think of loved ones who are no longer around
- Kids’ faces when they wake up and see their presents
- Sharing Christmas stories from years gone by
- Pulling the first cracker around the Christmas dinner table
- Eating chocolate for breakfast
- Video calling close family or friends to talk about their day
- Filling up children’s stockings
- Building toys kids have received on Christmas morning
- Sending Christmas messages on the family messaging group
- Falling asleep on the sofa
- Putting milk and carrots out for Santa and his reindeer on Christmas Eve
- Reading a Christmas story to your kids
- Wearing matching pyjamas with family and friends
- Having an emotive conversation with a family member that you wouldn’t usually
- Christmas Eve boxes
- Sharing photos and videos of your Christmas celebrations on your socials
- Sitting down for the King’s Speech
- Looking on social media and seeing numerous pictures of Christmas celebrations
- Having a mince pie for breakfast
- Pretending to be happy to receive a pair of socks
- When the chef for the day refuses help in the kitchen but then complains about getting no help