Research casts different light on Xmas

The traditional image of Christmas as a time for family togetherness has been called into question by new research showing that almost one in five Australians are fleeing on holiday this Christmas to get away from the family.

A national survey of 3,480 Australians by online travel company OctopusTravel.com has found that 19 per cent of Aussies are opting to go on holiday this Christmas to avoid family feuds or duty, including conflict about who to visit and when (7.6 per cent), cooking Christmas dinner for the family (6.6 per cent), and family arguments (4.8 per cent).

Almost one in 10 (8.9 per cent) list arguing with a family member as a Christmas Day tradition.  Despite this, home is still the location of choice for 53.5 per cent of Australians this Christmas Day. Interestingly, almost one fifth (19 per cent) will spend the day in the company of friends, perhaps highlighting a shift towards friends versus family at this time of the year.

However, no matter who we spend Christmas with or where we spend it, the day seems to follow a familiar and well-trodden path for most Australians, with almost three-quarters (71.7 per cent) admitting to eating and drinking to excess on Christmas Day. Playing games (27 per cent), watching TV/movies (21.2 per cent), and going to the beach (12.1 per cent) are also popular Christmas Day pastimes.

In total, more than half of Australians (51.4 per cent) are planning a getaway at some stage over the festive season. Of those, 37 per cent are travelling within their home state or territory, 31 per cent are holidaying interstate, 13 per cent are heading overseas and 19 per cent are yet to decide on a destination. Despite so many Australians planning to take a holiday this Christmas, almost two thirds (62.6 per cent) have yet to book (as at November 22).

OctopusTravel.com general manager Peter Smith said the survey showed that while family is important at Christmas, Australians aren’t afraid to buck tradition by spending Christmas Day away from home.

“There’s a lot of pressure on families at Christmas and for some people it’s easier to avoid the hassle by going on holiday or spending the day with friends,” Mr Smith said.

“The traditional image of the extended family enjoying a turkey roast appears to be shifting as holidays become more accessible and people are more inclined to do what they want to do, rather than what’s expected of them.”