Homes across the UK will be as stuffed as the turkey this Christmas with over half (54 per cent) the nation providing a Christmas dinner for up to 15 extra people and homes being full to bursting.
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For those unable to join in the festivities in person, 24 per cent of households will dial in to Yuletide virtually from across the world, research from Tesco Mobile has found.
The research, conducted as part of the Tesco Mobile Family Matters Index, found that Brits consider on average four people who are not blood relations, spouses or in-laws, as part of the family.
So as family Christmas becomes ‘framily’ Christmas, over a third (36 per cent) of homes will be opening their doors to four additional members and a further 18 per cent will play hosts to up to 15 non-relatives throughout the festive period.
Almost half of Brits (43 per cent) count their pet as a fully-fledged member of the family while a fifth of parents say their children’s friends are like extra sons and daughters to them.
Dr Katherine Rake, Chief Executive of the Family and Parenting Institute said: “The nuclear family is expanding and the line between friendship and family is blurring. Today strong family and friendship networks are vital to feeling supported and happy, so it’s no surprise we surround ourselves with ‘framily’ this Christmas; the more the merrier.”
Extra guests include friends (29 per cent), in-laws (26 per cent), children’s partners (16 per cent), and the neighbours (16 per cent). Even the congregation of the village church will be squeezing around the turkey in numerous homes.
Tesco Mobile has found that with such expanding social circles we are increasingly using technology to keep in touch with those nearest and dearest.
A quarter of the nation will be making the most of Skype, Facetime and video calls to beam loved ones into their homes this Crimbo to make sure they don’t miss out on the festive fun.
Simon Groves, Chief Marketing Officer, Tesco Mobile said: “More than ever we’re seeing families draw upon new technologies to keep in touch. Whether it’s Facetime over the figgy pudding or Skyping with your stocking, it is great to know that families can keep in touch this Christmas whether they’re around the corner or on the other side of the world.”