25 Signs You’re the One Who Makes Christmas Happen
As many as 81% of Brits agree, there is usually one person in every family, who makes Christmas special – and this is MUM in the majority of households (47%) followed by older siblings (14%) and then dads (8%).
According to a new study, organising Christmas falls to just 39% of the nation, the unsung heroes who sprinkle festive joy over the 61% of us who are merely “partakers”.
And the research, from Coca-Cola, has now revealed a definitive list of signs YOU are among the smaller percentage of Brits, who make Christmas happen – including planning and doing the festive food shop (41%), cooking the entire lunch, usually by yourself (37%), booking the turkey (32%), knowing what everyone likes and dislikes (45%) and never forgetting the crackers (38%).
Other attributes of a Christmas “maker” are keeping family traditions alive (32%), always having tape and scissors (25%), knowing where all the decorations are (30%), remaining calm under pressure (34%), making Christmas pudding (20%) and being happy to sit in the WORST seat during the family movie (13%).
No wonder, overwhelming 75% of Brits believe Christmas would be ‘rubbish’ without their dedicated Christmas maker.
Despite 83% of Brits agreeing Makers keep family or friendship groups together, 19% admit they don’t always thank or show them appreciation.
While simple gestures like a face-to-face thank you (67%), an extra present under the tree (16%), ‘thank you’ text (13%), toast (11%), or social media shout-out (11%) are popular ways to show appreciation, many still fall short.
35% assume their loved ones already know how valued they are, one in five (21%) don’t think their
“Maker” expects a fuss, 17% find it hard to find the right words and 16% just get caught up in the festive rush.
As a result, 68% of Makers say they can feel unappreciated, with 49% even jokingly saying they are going on strike because their efforts were not being acknowledged.
According to the study, the unsung heroes and “stars of Christmas” start preparing seven weeks before the big day, spend an average of 20 hours thinking about, planning and buying presents, 15 hours cooking and food shopping, 14 hours decorating and 11 hours writing cards.
This year, Coca-Cola is championing the unsung heroes of Christmas, kicking off with Sam Thompson’s surprise appearance at Spitalfields dressed as Santa, where Sam invited the public to nominate their Christmas Makers – and then delivered unexpected, personalised thank you messages to them. Anyone who missed the moment can still take part by commenting on Sam’s Instagram post. Every “maker” nominated, will support Coca-Cola’s festive donation to food charity FareShare.
Charlotte Butt, Senior Marketing Manager at Coca-Cola Great Britain and Ireland says: “We believe in spreading joy and recognising those who make special moments happen. We want to inspire the nation to give those unsung heroes the heartfelt thank you they truly deserve. Every maker nominated for a shout-out, will support Coca-Cola’s donation to FareShare this Christmas.
Sam Thompson says: “Last year I spent Christmas Day volunteering, and it was really special. There are so many ‘makers’ of Christmas – from all walks of life, creating magic for families across the UK during the festive season. I am so excited to help make Christmas that little bit better for the makers with Coca-Cola … and of course I love dressing up as Santa, so I’m buzzing about that too.”
TOP 25 SIGNS IT IS YOU THAT MAKES CHRISTMAS HAPPEN…
- You time the Christmas lunch to perfection – 48%
- You know what everyone likes and cater accordingly – 45%
- You plan and do the Christmas food shop – 41%
- You NEVER forget the crackers – 38%
- You prefer giving presents than receiving them – 38%
- You’re happy if everyone else is – 37%
- You cook the Christmas lunch – 37%
- You’re calm under pressure – 34%
- You book the turkey – 32%
- You keep the family traditions alive – 32%
- You have a specific way of decorating the tree/house – 31%
- You know exactly where the Christmas decorations are – 30%
- You send all the Christmas cards – 28%
- You have a seating plan, so everyone is happy – 27%
- Your fridge is perfectly stocked with everyone’s favourite drinks – 27%
- You’d give up the last pig in blanket/roast potato for someone else – 26%
- You have tape and scissors when people need them – 25%
- You’re always tidying up the wrapping paper – 24%
- You made a Christmas playlist with people’s favourite songs – 23%
- You organise and buy the family presents for siblings and partners – 22%
- You make Christmas pudding from scratch – 20%
- You’re first up in the morning and last to bed – 20%
- You started your shopping in September – 16%
- You have a box of bows and ribbons on hand – 14%
- You’re happy to sit in the worst seat during the movie – 13%
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