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From present buying to wrapping and decorations, to securing an online shopping slot and cooking the Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, there is usually one person in the house who makes Christmas happen, as if by magic, a new study reveals.
Christmas may be a time of joy and laughter for many, but perhaps that's because six in 10 (61%) of Brits are taking the brunt of the festive workload on their own, and it's mainly women.
The new poll from Homesense spoke to 2,000 adults, and showed that three-quarters of Brits (74%) agreed that one partner ends up doing most of the prep, and that's made up of 76% women, compared to 40% of men. It's no surprise that most feel knackered before Christmas even arrives.
When it comes to gifts, 93% of women take on buying presents, while 89% even do the wrapping. 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, and 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: over 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 Scanlon 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
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. The 3 Cs Gifting Formula - When it comes to gifting, I always think about the 3 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. 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 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. 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.