How to spread some Christmas magic this year

We all know that this Christmas will feel a bit odd. And this follows the last few Christmases which were REALLY odd – so you’ll be forgiven if you are finding things a little tough.
But new data suggests that these tougher times are changing the way we look at the festive season for the better – going perhaps more ‘back to basics’ and seeing us focus in on people and the little moments which really matter – which is all that counts, right?
According to After Eight, Christmas 2022 is ushering in some brand new traditions which take the financial challenges off of individual people as we seek to club together.
Almost all (90%) think it is absolutely possible to have the magic of Christmas without spending a fortune. First and foremost, 91% believe the festive season is just about family and friends anyway rather than the big expensive things.
But, 60% of say that they are absolutely planning small indulgences.
61% of us are planning Christmas like it was when they were kids – more simple and straightforward and linked to good food and good company. Could it be that in recent years we have moved to an ‘Instagram Christmas’ where posts of the presents have mattered more than the day itself?
Almost 40% of households are planning on sharing the cost of Christmas this year – with 39% of people going to someone else’s home for the meal planning on chipping in.
74% of people are open to and planning to suggest a ‘kitty’ for drinks at someones house – and it makes sense. Hosting a party is stressful enough and it could be that the cost burden always falls on one person or one household.
Perhaps as a result of our collective rethink, a quarter (26%) of us are planning to make something home-made this year.
Obviously, for many this may be more meaningful – but may also provide lots of laughs at parties too.
But the good news is that 46% are still planning to party this year.
And it is going to full of everything you’d want from a rip-roaring night – friends and family playing Christmas (and non Christmas) games (24%), popping corn over Christmas movies (29%), ‘Potlatch’ (where everyone brings a meal) 12% and murdering all of Christmas faves on karaoke (11%).
We’re joined by self-professed Christmasaholic Sam Thompson to reveal what we’re doing differently this year – and how we can get the magic whatever the budget.