In an attempt to beat the credit crunch this Christmas, 37 per cent of Brits are planning on becoming Christmas Liggers, according to new research from Waitrose. That is, inviting themselves over to other people’s houses for Christmas day in an attempt to cut costs during the credit crunch.
Although over 90 per cent of people are intending to bring something as a token of their appreciation, only 2 per cent are offering to contribute financially. However, it would appear that the Christmas spirit is alive and well with us generous Brits, as nearly half of all people opening their doors to friends and family this year won’t expect anything at all in exchange.
Unsurprisingly, sensible credit-crunchers are less likely to go to a hotel or restaurant for Christmas dinner this year (3 per cent down last year) although the younger ones would still rather fork out than face the washing up with 5 per cent of 18-25 year olds heading out on Christmas day, higher than any other age group.
Richard Hodgson, Waitrose Commercial Director, commented: "Ligging over the holiday season, as well as being a great opportunity to catch up with family and friends, offers people the chance to share the cost of Christmas. In fact, our research has shown that for nearly half of people it’s a conscious decision to club together to share costs. This year we’ve seen a rise in sales of party sharing food - which are up 64 per cent - a clear sign that more people are getting together to share food and drink over the festive season.
"However, it’s important to note that being thrifty with your food and drink spending shouldn’t mean that you need to scrimp on quality - in fact it’s a good opportunity to bring your host a good quality bottle or food contribution which needn’t cost the earth. Just be sure to ask your host what they’d like you to bring before you arrive so they don’t end up with two Christmas puddings but no turkey!"
However, when does a festive Ligger become a just another unwelcome guest? It’s a fine line so be sure to avoid the embarrassment of over-ligging over the festive season by following these Ligging top tips from Waitrose...
Top tips for sensible Christmas Ligging:
1) Always bring a bottle - it’s a nice gesture of appreciation, and this way at least your host will be too tipsy to notice you’ve stayed long beyond the Queen’s speech...
2) On a similar note - don’t drink the host’s drink cabinet dry. No one wants a lasting memory of you flirting with Grandma or going the same colour as the pot plants after one Baileys too many.
3) Don’t hog the remote. Ok, so the Only Fools and Horses Christmas special might not be your cup of tea, but at the end of the day, it’s their TV and a wise Ligger knows when to stay quiet.
4) Don’t leave straight after dinner - you may just have come for the pigs in blankets and Christmas pud but it’s not polite to dine and dash. At least stay to help with the washing up.
5) Equally, recognise when it’s time to leave. Even if your witty anecdotes are particularly compelling and you fancy another round of charades, after a day’s entertaining even the most patient host will want to totter off to bed with their new hot water-bottle at a reasonable hour.