THE FINAL COUNTDOWN: BRITS GET INTO THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT ON THIS DATE

TODAY marks the most festive day on the UK calendar, a new survey reveals.

Brits on average say they will get into the festive spirit 20 days prior to Christmas Day, with Londoners expected to have been in the mood since last Saturday (28 days prior).

And even after getting into the festive groove, Brits will still need 3 more days to get the tree and decorations up (17 days before).

Although scrooges in the South West are encouraged to get into the swing of celebrations soon, instead of putting it off until Thursday 9th (16 days before)!

For many, the start of Christmas is signified by hearing and seeing Christmassy things around us, such as songs on the radio (36%), adverts on TV (38%) and stocking up on those all important pigs in blankets and other festive fare (35).

For Londoners, Secret Santa ranks high at 17%, though it seems the rest of the country aren’t as fussed with East Anglia coming is at a mere 2% and just 4% up in Yorkshire.

However, the new survey from Barnardo’s, the UK’s leading Children’s charity has also found that over a third (37%) cite the buying of Christmas presents for friends and family as a sign of the start of the festive season.

This year, a huge 67% of Brits will consider charity shops as a strong source for Christmas gifting, and with the average Brit spending £766.52 on presents, (some spending up to £5,000!) this could be a really great year for charities up and down the UK.

What’s more, Brits are ranking sustainability (25%) higher than the gift being on trend (13%) this year, a really positive sentiment.

Luckily, Barnardo’s have launched their Christmas gifting store (https://shop.barnardos.org.uk/) just in time, and those feeling festive can treat their loved ones to gifts such as:

Vegan Suede Yoga mat with bio rubber backing, £41.75
Large Floor standing wooden Christmas Nutcracker figurine 3ft tall, £67.50
Pinot Grigio Diffuser, £5
Mountain Wooden Railway Set, £86.99

Roy Clark, Managing Director of Barnardo’s Trading said: “The Christmas period is always an exciting time and it’s great to see that so many people are looking to charity shops for inspiration.

By shopping at Barnardo’s in a store or online you can find fantastic gifts for friends and family – and you will also be helping us to continue providing vital services to vulnerable children, young people, parents and carers at Christmas time and all year round.”