01 Nov BRITS IN THE EAST OF ENGLAND PREFER A WINTER GETAWAY TO A CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY
SUN-SEEKING Brits in the east of England would rather spend their hard-earned cash on a winter holiday than buying presents for loved ones at Christmas, a study by British Airways has found.
Brits in the region plan to spend on average £926 each on Christmas this year, including £337 on presents.
They would spend a similar amount – £1,048 – on a winter getaway and 40% say they would rather splurge the cash on a winter getaway than a Christmas giveaway.
After presents, the biggest drain on Brits wallets over Christmas in the east of England are food (£147), travel (£103), drink (£84) and decorations (£67).
British Airways, who commissioned the survey as part of their Winter Sun campaign, found that a quarter (27%) of those surveyed said they would rather give holidays as presents rather than objects, believing they create more lasting memories than objects placed under the tree.
A third (33%) of Brits say they have no idea what they received for Christmas last year – and 42% can only remember some gifts they received.
Over half (57%) of Brits the stress of the festive season is such that they say they need a holiday to get over the Christmas break.
Nearly half (44%) said they would go on holiday if they could get out of the obligatory Christmas visit to families and friends and more than half (52%) say they need a holiday during the Christmas break itself.
Gifters in Cardiff are the most generous in the country, spending an average of £502 on presents.
