The vast majority of Brits have one partner who does the bulk of Christmas planning, gift buying and wrapping, and it typically tends to be women who pick up the workload
Women are almost twice as likely than men to take on the tiresome role of organising Christmas, a festive survey has revealed.
Christmas may be a time of joy and laughter for many, but perhaps that’s because six in 10 (61%) Brits are taking the brunt of the festive workload on their own.
The new poll from homeware store Homesense showed three-quarters of Brits (74%) agreed one partner ends up doing most of the prep.
The 2,000-strong sample revealed 76% are women compared to 40% being men, while 93% of women take on buying presents and 89% do the wrapping too.
This is where most people (66%) want help, as it’s fun but also a stressful task to find the right gift for everyone.
The findings highlight the time and emotional labour involved in creating the perfect Christmas.
Two in five people (40%) spend between five and fifteen hours preparing for the big day, equivalent to every evening of the working week.
Almost seven tenths (68%) say they feel worn out before Christmas has even arrived
The imbalance extends beyond partners, with over half (54%) of respondents agreeing that one sibling typically takes on more festive tasks than the others.
Despite this, there is strong appetite for a more balanced approach, with more than half (55%) say they would feel noticeably less stressed if the workload were shared more evenly.
All these insights form part of The Gift Shift, a nationwide call to action from Homesense, encouraging families to share the load and the joy of the season.
The campaign aims to make gifting and preparations easier for everyone, supported by in-store inspiration, clever tools and curated gift bundles.
Customers can view the virtual gift guide at @homesense_ukie and visit a local Homesense store to enjoy saving up to 60% less every day on gifts for loved ones this Christmas.
TV presenter Angela Scanlon is partnering with Homesense to champion The Gift Shift and has created her own set of tips to help households collaborate more effectively over the festive period.
Angela said: “Christmas should be about connection, not perfection, but too often one person ends up doing it all while everyone else enjoys the day.
“I love that The Gift Shift encourages us to rethink how we celebrate and to share the joy, not just the workload.”
Angela’s top festive tips
1. Share the load
Christmas should be joyful, not stressful, so my top tip is to share the load. Doing bits together, whether it’s decorating, wrapping, or cooking, turns everything into fun moments and creates memories along the way. It’s about enjoying the process as much as the celebrations.
2. The three Cs Gifting Formula
When it comes to gifting, I always think about the three Cs. Comfort is all about giving something that makes them feel good, Character reflects their personality, and Connection is a gift that brings you closer.
3. Think personal
A thoughtful gift doesn’t have to cost a fortune. It’s the little touches that show you know someone’s tastes, and Homesense has so many unique finds that make personal gifting simple.
4. Plan it
Plan ahead where you can, whether it’s your shopping list, menus, or decorations. A little preparation goes a long way to keeping the festive season joyful rather than stressful.
5. Give yourself grace
It’s easy to get caught up in trying to make everything perfect but the real joy comes from spending time with the people you love.
Homesense is inviting the nation to share the load and the joy this Christmas with one-of-a-kind treasures for up to 60% less.
From standout décor that instantly lifts the mood to thoughtful gifts and practical pieces that make hosting easier, Homesense helps lighten the seasonal pressure while still letting you celebrate in a way that feels uniquely you.
With high-quality homeware, designer brands, and joyful surprises around every corner, it’s never been simpler to create a Christmas you truly love – without the stress.
Can’t agree on who’s doing the festive heavy lifting? Join the conversation at @Homesense_ukie and share how you’re making The Gift Shift this year.
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