19th December 2014

The mother in law, mum and father in law are the most dreaded guests this Christmas

British women say Christmas is the most stressful time of year

Ant and Dec, The Duchess of Cambridge, The Queen, Prince Harry and Miranda Hart have all been voted as the nation’s most desired Christmas Day house guests according to a new poll out today by Travelodge.

With 56per cent of Britons travelling next week to spend the festive season with family and friends, Travelodge surveyed 2,500 adults across Britain to investigate the nation’s views on yuletide entertaining.

Research findings revealed that half of British households reported that their Christmas guests just get under their feet and prove to be a hindrance.
Six out of ten British women reported that the pressure of creating the perfect Christmas for guests is one of the most stressful jobs of the year. On average women spend 322 hours which equates to nearly 14 days preparing for the perfect Christmas Day for family and guests.

Other key findings revealed that the mother in law is the most dreaded Christmas guest, followed by mum, as both women will interfere with the day’s planned proceedings. Sixty eight per cent of women said it really annoys them when their mother in law or mother tries to take over on Christmas day.

When respondents were asked who would be their perfect Christmas house guest, topping the poll were members of the royal family and the nations favourite comedians.

Topping the guest list were the cheeky Geordies Ant and Dec, followed by the Duchess of Cambridge, the Queen, Prince Harry and award winning comedienne, Miranda Hart.

The remainder of the top ten listing includes the TV presenter Holly Willoughby, American singer songwriter Taylor Swift, popular politician Boris Johnson, sports hero David Beckham and Prince Charles.

Listed below are the nations top ten most desired Christmas house guests.

Ant and Dec
The Duchess of Cambridge
The Queen
Prince Harry
Miranda Hart
Holly Willoughby
Taylor Swift
Boris Johnson
David Beckham
Prince Charles

Further research findings revealed that, in a bid to help create the perfect Christmas at home, a third of hosts have suggested to their guests who are staying with them over the festive season to book themselves into a nearby hotel so that both parties can obtain some much needed space and really enjoy the holiday.

Over a third of British women surveyed reported that they get more stressed looking after guests who are staying over during the festive season than cooking Christmas dinner.

Shakila Ahmed, Travelodge Spokeswoman said We are experiencing a growing trend in more Britons booking themselves into a nearby hotel when visiting family and friends over the festive season. This year we have already experienced a double digit increase in room sales from Christmas Eve right through to New Year’s Day. By staying in a hotel you can alleviate the pressure and everyone can really enjoy the festive season without getting under the hosts feet.

Ends

For further information, please contact Travelodge Press Office on 01844 35 8703 or email at: pressoffice@travelodge.co.uk

Notes to editors

The survey was conducted in December 2014 with a sample group of 2,500 British adults.

Listed below are Britons top ten most dreaded Christmas guests:

Mother in law
Mother
Father in law
Father
Ex-partner
Sister in law
Brother
Grandparents
Cousins
Step-parent