Top 10 least favourite Christmas chores - including wrapping gifts

12 December 2023 , 16:57

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Washing up is the least favourite Christmas chore, for one in three Brits (Image: Gary Burchell/Getty Images)

Brits have shared their top 10 least favourite chores over the Christmas season – with one in three (32%) least looking forward to tackling the massive pile of dirty dishes after Christmas dinner, a study has found.

A quarter hate having to clean up after their guests, while other necessary evils over the festive period include detangling fairy lights, cooking the Christmas meal – and even writing Christmas cards.

The poll of 4,000 adults, who celebrate Yuletide, also found that roughly half feel wrapping presents is a chore – with 62% of these getting frustrated with the amount of time it takes.

And 55% admit they completely lack any wrapping skills – rising to six in 10 millennials, and 69% of Gen Z, who feel this way.

In light of the findings, Pepsi MAX, which commissioned the research, has launched five free-of-charge gift-wrapping stations across the country, with a professional gift-wrapper on hand.

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Half of festive Brits see wrapping presents as a chore - and admit they have no wrapping skills (Carol Yepes/Getty Images)

Spokesman Dagmar Emery said: “The holiday season in the UK is a time for celebration, laughter, and memorable moments. We should be spending time with friends, family, and basking in the festive spirit – but there’s always a list of things to get done before the fun begins.”

The study also found that, to keep the time spent wrapping to a minimum, 60% will get all of their wrapping out of the way in one go, rather than spreading it out across the build-up to the festive season.

But while 41% of women would like to be able to offload their Christmas wrapping to someone else, this rises to 62% of men – opting for someone else to take care of the fuss, according to the survey, carried out via OnePoll.

Despite the reluctance to do the deed, 65% believe a well-wrapped gift makes for a more thoughtful present.

Dagmar Emery added: “In 2023, with the newly launched Christmas is Better with Pepsi MAX campaign, we’re creating experiences that save time, stress, and energy, allowing for a better holiday season – including offering respite from one of the least enjoyable chores, gift wrapping.

“Providing a personalised experience, that adds sentimentality and ease to the gift-giving process, we're ensuring that your Christmas is not just merry, but also better.”

TOP 10 MOST DISLIKED CHRISTMAS TASKS:

1. Washing the dishes after a meal
2. Cleaning up once guests have departed
3. Detangling the fairy lights
4. Wrapping presents
5. Writing Christmas cards
6. Buying presents
7. Putting up decorations
8. Cooking meals
9. Attending festive parties (i.e. office parties)
10. Entertaining guests

Gemma Francis