No family or gifts are Brits’ biggest festive worries
Britons are most concerned about being unable to see loved ones and parcel delays this festive season, but relatively few care about missing out on a Christmas tree or the turkey, a survey suggests.
As Covid cases remain stubbornly high, the most upsetting thing that could happen for Britons this Christmas is being unable to see close family, a Yougov poll found.
Three quarters (74%) of Britons said this would rile them, including 45% who would be “very upset”. One in three Britons (32%) think it likely that new restrictions will be put in place preventing people from mixing with those from outside their household, and 17% expect a full festive return to national lockdown.
However, supply chain issues are relatively unconcerning for consumers, and while 58% are expecting the now-traditional parcel delays in the lead-up to Christmas Day, just 37% think it will be harder to find presents this year.
Although 60% of people say they would find it distressing being unable to give loved ones presents this year, just 27% are bothered about the potential that they might not receive gifts themselves as a result of supply shortages.
RECORD YEAR FOR HOUSE SALES
The housing market is set to record its highest level of sales this year since 2007, according to a property website.
Around 1.5 million sales will have taken place across the UK in 2021, Zoopla predicts.
Richard Donnell, from Zoopla, said: “2021 is set to be a record year for the housing market with the most moves by homeowners since 2007 and nearly £500 billion of home sales.
“The impact of the pandemic on the housing market has further to run but at a less frenetic pace.”