The top chores Brits are lumbered with on Christmas Day include doing the washing up, gathering up and disposing of all the wrapping paper – and cooking the meal itself, a study has found.
Nearly half of Brits (48%) feel they don't get to spend as much time as they would like with their loved ones on the big day, as they are stuck completing the chores, according to a poll of 2,000 adults.
And with many Brits set to spend over three hours in the kitchen on December 25, they will miss out on key festive moments such as gift-opening, and the Royal broadcast.
One in four have even missed an exciting family announcement, like the news that a loved one is pregnant.
But while 41% of guests admitted they feel bad for hosts that are left out of the action – they still don’t offer to help.
David Palmer, from LG Electronics, which commissioned the research as part of the launch of its large capacity QuadWash Steam dishwasher, said: “There is no doubt there’s many people missing out on the true joys of Christmas as chores get in the way.
“There’s only 24 hours in a day – and seemingly many are lost in the kitchen, scrubbing the stubborn dishes, while others get to enjoy a more leisurely time.”
Stacking the dishwasher with plates, emptying bins, and wiping down surfaces are other thankless tasks taken on the big day.
And more than a fifth (22%) even find themselves getting out the vacuum on Christmas Day, as 41% don’t tend to finish the clean-up operation before 8pm.
Some of the top moments missed due to cleaning and cooking duties include the delight from a loved one after opening a gift under the tree, the Royal Christmas broadcast, and seeing someone open a gift you have given them.
And 36% were left wishing they got more help on Christmas Day, according to the OnePoll data.
Of the 70% polled who own a dishwasher, a third are left frustrated by the amount of loading and unloading they have to do over the key festive days.
To avoid having to do any washing up, one in six have pretended to be asleep in front of the telly, and 15% conveniently time a walk.
And scrubbing the stubborn pots and pans, doing the washing up, and taking on the cooking itself were seen as the worst chores on Christmas Day.
David Palmer, from LG Electronics, added: “Chores can take over, and while washing up used to be a major part of the traditional day itself, it doesn’t need to be anymore.
“Scrubbing pots and pans can definitely take the shine off a lovely day and a delicious meal, and is ranked as the least desired chore overall.
“Tech is a great way to streamline the kitchen clean-up process, and steam is great for tackling some of the most stubborn dirty pots, pans, and plates.”
TOP 20 CHORES ON CHRISTMAS DAY:
- Washing up
- Throwing away wrapping paper
- Cooking Christmas lunch/dinner
- Laying the table
- Making cups of tea
- Wiping surfaces
- Handing out presents
- Providing drinks
- Clearing the plates/stacking them by the dishwasher
- Emptying bins
- Ringing loved ones to wish them happy Christmas
- Providing snacks
- Stocking the fridge
- Putting away presents
- Switching on the Christmas tree decorations
- Putting up Christmas cards
- Vacuuming
- Scrubbing the burnt pans
- Putting away laundry
- Switching on the Christmas decorations elsewhere in the home
