Christmas will be a difficult time for Britain's poor, according to new research published today by Theos, the public theology think tank.
The poll of over 1,000 adults, conducted by ComRes, reveals that people in the lowest socio-economic group (DE) are more likely to dread Christmas (22% compared with a national average of 18%), borrow money, if necessary, for Christmas (15% compared with 13%), believe Christmas to be over-rated (61% compared with 54%) and spend Christmas alone (11% compared with 6%).
Overall, 82% of all those polled expect to spend the same or less on Christmas presents than last year, compared with 14% who expect to spend more. Strikingly, 38% of people aged 18-24 are set to spend more (the highest percentage by far across all age groups).
62% of people believe that spending less will make no difference to their Christmas because it 'is about more than presents'. Only 15% of people believe Christmas will be worse, while 18% think spending less will make it better as they can concentrate on 'the things that matter'.
11% of people aged 65 or over will be spending Christmas alone, compared with just 6% of the population as a whole. 68% of the population will be spending Christmas with their family.
In regard to the significance of Christmas, society is divided between those who believe the birth of Jesus is irrelevant to their Christmas (46%) and those (51%) who believe the opposite. The poll highlights clear differences between the sexes, nations and ages. 47% of men disagree with the statement 'The birth of Jesus is irrelevant to my Christmas' whereas 56% of women disagree. Scottish people are more likely to disagree with the statement (65%), compared with a GB average of 51%. In regard to age, young people (aged 18-24) are more likely than any other age group to disagree with the statement (55%) thereby acknowledging the significance of Jesus to their celebration of Christmas.
The research found that one in three people (36%) will be attending a Christmas church service this year, compared with 44% in 2008.
Commenting on the research, Director of Theos, Paul Woolley, said:
"The stark differences between Christmas for the rich and poor in society should trouble us.
"In general terms, the financial downturn is clearly forcing people to tighten their belts this year. Still, it's interesting to note that 62% of people don't think it will make any difference to their enjoyment of Christmas.
"The fact that 68% of people will be spending Christmas with their family shows how significant family bonds are, but we should be concerned that people aged 65 and over are most likely to spend Christmas alone.
"It's clear that society is split right down the middle regarding the religious significance of Christmas.
"It will surprise people that young people are most likely to believe that Jesus is relevant to their Christmas.
"It's difficult to work out why fewer people expect to attend a Christmas church service than in previous years, although 36% remains a relatively high figure.
ComRes interviewed 1005 GB adults by telephone between 3 and 5 December 2010. Data were weighted to be representative demographically of all GB adults. ComRes is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.
To read a summary of the research, click here. To read the research tables in full, click here.
