Research finds careful Christmas is on the cards and shoppers are stocking up early

A careful Christmas is on the cards for nearly half the UK as people worry about possible COVID rule changes and shortages in the shops, new research* from financial services insight experts Consumer Intelligence shows.

Its nationwide study found around one in three (31%) adults say they are still being cautious while another 14% are not planning too much in case COVID rules change again in the run-up to December 25th.

The careful approach extends to buying presents and provisions early this year with nearly two out of five (37%) saying they have already stocked up. Most admit to doing so because they like being organised but nearly a quarter are worried about shops running out and 14% are concerned about shipping delays.

It’s not all Christmas caution – around one in 12 adults (8%) plan to go big this year and under-35s are more prepared to throw caution to the wind with just 23% of 18 to 34-year-olds saying they will be COVID cautious compared with 35% of older people.

Christmas travel – at least in the UK – is back with 18% of people planning to visit friends and family for the day compared with 13% last year and 11% planning to stay overnight compared with 6% last year. Younger people are most likely to be travelling with 26% planning overnight trips or holidays compared with 17% of 35 to 54-year-olds and just 15% of over-55s.

The number of people who will be lonely this Christmas is set to nearly halve – just 13% will be home alone this year compared with 25% last year when COVID restrictions were tighter.

Karen Houseago, Head of Insurance, Consumer Intelligence says: “Confidence will take some time to recover after the tough time everyone has been through during the ongoing pandemic, and it is perfectly understandable that people are being careful about Christmas this year.

“Changing travel rules and the possibility of more UK restrictions mean people have to be flexible while trying to ensure we enjoy Christmas and do as much as we are comfortable with when it comes to visiting friends and family and travelling.”