Half of Cheshire families planning on a 'virtual Christmas' this year, reveals survey.

Nearly half of Cheshire families (49%) say they plan on having a 'virtual Christmas', rather than seeing extended family in person over the festive season.

Having spent months in lockdown and following a surge in infections recently, Brits are well aware that social distancing regulations are serious business. Even though it may not seem like it, Christmas is right around the corner, meaning some of us are beginning to think about the festive season and more specifically, starting to save up to cover all the costs involved. However, due to the severity and scale of the pandemic and the possibility that social distancing will be implemented well into 2021, could the UK be in store for a not-so-merry Christmas in 2020?

Christmas.co.uk, conducted a survey of 2,600 respondents on their pandemic predictions for the festive season. It was found that nearly half of Cheshire families (49%) say they plan on having a 'virtual Christmas' rather than seeing extended family in person over the festive season. Considering a post-pandemic future is largely unpredictable, it is perhaps no wonder that many would prefer to have a celebratory dinner via video call, rather than sitting up close at the dinner table with multiple family members, including those that may be more prone to illness.

View the following infographic for results of the survey

It seems many Brits have been avid users of video platforms as nearly half (41%) say the extended lockdown has brought them closer to their family. Now more than ever, connecting with a family member from across the country is as simple as pressing a green call button.

However, having socially distanced for so long also means people are missing the experience of spending quality time in the presence of loved ones. 86% say Christmas is the most difficult time of year to spend without family around. This was followed by New Year (9%), Easter (3%) and Birthdays (2%).

Additionally, given the current state of the economy, half of couples say they will have to start saving earlier in order to buy Christmas gifts this year. Considering many are struggling to make ends meet, it is perhaps understandable why nearly 1 in 5 (18%) say they will have to borrow money to cover Christmas costs this year.

Sleigh it ain’t snow… People are willing to breach the law for their loved ones this festive season – 29% of survey respondents say they would break the rules to see family if lockdown regulations were imposed again over Christmas!