Figures from shopping channel QVC have revealed that over a million people have already finished their Christmas shopping for 2015.
It's now 98 days until Christmas, we still have a long way to go, yet two fifths of the UK have already started buying and preparing for the festive season.
QVC's figures show that 41% of people begin their Christmas shopping early to find a bargain and 36% want to get all their presents early to avoid the Christmas rush. The Welsh are the most eager to snap up a bargain, 28% of people in Wales have already started preparing for December. A third of the population prefer to start shopping for Christmas in July and one in five claim to suffer from seasonal stress disorder, opting to give themselves as much time as possible to find the perfect presents.
Seasonal spending is set to rise this year, up to £4.5 billion was spent for Christmas 2014 and figures could reach £29 billion this year. QVC have also worked out the average amount of money that Brits spend on the festive season. On average, every Brit spends £290 on Christmas presents, £123 on food, £89 on alcohol, £74 on a special Christmas outfit and £73 on seasonal travel, bringing it to a grand total of £650 spent per person.
Sue Leeson, VP of Brand & Communications at QVC, commented "There is no such thing as being too early for Christmas at QVC. Our talented team of seasonal gift buyers prepare for Christmas 365 days a year and we know our shoppers like to start their Christmas shopping early as well."
"Planning for Christmas early saves last-minute panic and financial burden meaning you can take it a little easier and with our Expert Presenters and guests' shopping advice you can enjoy spending the festive season with loved ones."
Brits are starting Christmas early this year to avoid the rush