A fifth of Brits start planning for Christmas and the festive season as soon as November arrives, a new study has suggested.
According to research into the UK’s changing festive habits that retailer John Lewis carries out and publishes the findings of each year, the so-called ’12 days of Christmas’ are now becoming more like 45, as it’s claimed a good chunk of Brits start actively planing and preparing for Christmas from this month.
Many find themselves running around like headless chickens in the days leading up to Christmas Day in a bid to buy all those last-minute gifts and forgotten nibbles for the festive feasting, but on the flip side of that, others are super organised and like to get everything sorted as far in advance as they possibly can.
Apparently, John Lewis’ analysis found that this ‘super organised’ bunch equates to about 20% of Brits, and on top of that, it’s also “mostly women” who fall into this category.
The John LewisFestive Traditions Tracker report – which is based on analysis of its sales, coupled with annual YouGov polling – discovered that a fifth of people begin planning for the most wonderful time of the year as soon as 1 November rolls around.
A fifth of Brits apparently start planning for Christmas in November / Credit: Freestocks | Jess Bailey (via Unsplash)
Early Christmas planning isn’t the only festive tradition John Lewis’ analysis has revealed or predicted either, as the retailer has also suggested that outdoor lights are practically on their way to becoming, if not already, the norm nowadays, and six in 10 are planning to buy some form of decoration for the outside their homes.
For a third of UK homes, one Christmas tree is apparently no longer enough, and it’s likely that two or more trees will be decorated instead.
John Lewis’ Commercial Director, Kathleen Lewis, says the ongoing cost of living crisis is to account for customers planning ahead, as it’s a way to manage their finances and spread the cost.
The retailer revealed that sales of its Christmas ranges were 10% higher this October compared to the same month last year, and the number of visitors to its dedicated departments was also up 13%.
It’s according to retailer John Lewis’ annual Festive Traditions Tracker / Credit: Heidi Fin (via Unsplash)
Brits are expected to buy fewer and cheaper items this year too, and researchers also found that many will be putting more thought into the gifts they buy – with homemade presents “one of the biggest trends for 2023″.
Then, when it comes to habits and traditions on Christmas Day itself, the analysis found that 43% of people think the day is a time for “sparkles, bright colours, and bold clothing”, but younger Brits aren’t quite as on board.
More than half of the 25-34-year-olds surveyed are planning to wear ‘comfy casuals’, while a third of 18-24-year-olds are even intent on staying in their pyjamas all day.
So what’s your take then? Is November too early? Or should we all be getting into the festive spirit as early as possible to make the most of it?
Featured Image – Kerkez (via iStockPhoto)
Christmas
Greater Manchester’s beloved Santa steam trains are back again this Christmas
Emily Sergeant
Greater Manchester’s beloved Santa steam train rides are back for more festive fun this Christmas, and tickets are already on sale… genuinely.
Sure, it’s literally only the second week of September, and we’ve technically still got the rest of summer, and the small matter of Halloween and Bonfire Night to get through first, but East Lancashire Railway (ELR) is already looking ahead to the most magical time of year.
The heritage railway has announced that its popular ‘Santa Specials’ steam train rides are back once again from late November.
The famous festive steam trains have become an essential part of Christmas for many families in the North West.
You can already grab tickets for Greater Manchester’s beloved Santa steam train rides this Christmas / Credit: ELR
And in recent years, the much-loved event has been even bigger and better than ever before.
ELR’s ‘Santa Specials‘ are your chance to hop on board an old-school steam train and travel through the magical Irwell Valley to make ‘enchanted memories’ that last a lifetime.
The truly special Christmas day out starts as you make your way through a winter wonderland at Bury Bolton Street Station.
You’ll first get to meet some old favourites and new characters, including the magical talking Christmas tree, Mrs Claus, and ELR’s very own Ice Princess, all before before having a singalong with a chorus of musical polar bears.
The festive fun then continues on the Santa Special steam trains themselves, with an 80-minute ‘enchanting voyage’ through the picturesque Greater Manchester countryside.
And, of course, you can expect a special visit from Santa while you’re on board.
The famous East Lancashire Railway ‘Santa Special’ steam train / Credit: Darren Robinson Photography (via ELR)
After you’ve grabbed a selfie or two with the big man himself, the grown-ups can look forward to mince pies and festive tipple, while little Mancs can enjoy a soft drink, some chocolate, and take a festive-themed activity pack home with them.
East Lancashire Railway’s famous Santa Specials are running on weekends and selected weekdays from Saturday 22 November – Wednesday 24 December.
Tickets now on sale starting from £22.50 for kids and £23 for adults.
You can book your seats here before it’s too late.
Featured Image – ELR
Christmas
Manchester’s largest outdoor ice rink is returning to the city centre this festive season
Emily Sergeant
Manchester’s massive outdoor ice rink has been confirmed for a return to Cathedral Gardens once again this festive season.
Skate Manchester has always been a festive staple of our city centre, and there’s also a flurry of other frozen events and activities planned for 2025 too – including the return of the Scare Skate for Halloween.
Following success in previous years, Scare Skate returns this spooky season, and families, friends, and festive fun seekers visiting the rink this season can expect Halloween-themed music, lighting, and themed props to ignite the fright factor.
After Halloween, the magic continues as the rink transforms into a festive wonderland.
Manchester’s largest outdoor ice rink is returning to the city centre this festive season / Credit: Supplied
Skaters can expect to glide across a gleaming ice path and spin around a dazzling seven-metre Christmas tree taking centre stage in the middle of the rink.
You’ll be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas whatever the weather has in store for our city this year too, as although the rink will be outdoors in the heart of Cathedral Gardens, the ice is fully covered.
The rink will also offer a variety of skate sessions tailored to meet the needs of all visitors, which includes dedicated quiet and toddler sessions designed for a more relaxed environment, along with discounted tickets and weekly events for students.
New this year is the Skate on and Skate off ‘Pit Lane’ available during skating for those needing a break and a hot chocolate or mulled wine, plus a VIP ticket option allowing for a fast-track entry into the rink.
Super early bird tickets are now available to buy / Credit: Supplied
Skate Manchester is also one of the most sustainable events in the UK, thanks to being partially powered by the grid.
“We’re proud to bring one of the top five largest ice rinks in the UK to Manchester once more, as part of our mission to create magical and sustainable winter events that will set the standard for winter attractions globally,” commented Rob Derry, who is the Director at Tamarisk Events, the company that coordinates the event.
“By being partially powered by the grid, Skate Manchester is one of the more environmentally responsible attractions of its kind, allowing visitors to enjoy the magic of skating with a lighter footprint.”
Skate Manchester will be returning to the city on Saturday 25 October and running right up until Sunday 4 January 2026, with super early bird tickets now available to get your hands on, and discounted family tickets and student night tickets also available.
You can find more information and to book tickets here.
Emily Sergeant -
1st November 2023 
