As the holiday season approaches, a newly devised quiz aims to unveil your distinct Christmas personality type, shedding light on what your festive inclinations say about you. Crafted following a survey of 2,000 adults immersed in the holiday spirit, the quiz delves into the diverse ways individuals approach and experience the Christmas season.
In the survey, 22 percent emerged as ‘Organised Olivias,’ meticulous planners who have gift lists prepared as early as August and Christmas cards written, sealed, and ready to send by November. A third of respondents expressed a sentimentality towards the festive period, valuing traditions such as family tree-decorating sessions and the exchange of handwritten cards.
Teaming up with Royal Mail, Dr. Linda Papadopoulos, a renowned psychologist, asserted that how individuals navigate the demands of the holiday season can offer insights into their personality traits, stress responses, and coping mechanisms. She highlighted the impact of generational routines on shaping values and expectations during Christmas, emphasizing the influence of upbringing and family traditions.
Distinct Christmas personality types identified in the survey include:
Charitable Charlies: Individuals who volunteer their time, support meaningful charities, and ensure the proceeds from their Christmas card purchases contribute to good causes.
Digital Davids: Those who exclusively convey Christmas wishes through digital means, relying on texts and emails, and opt for online shopping to fulfill their gift-giving obligations.
The study indicated that 84 percent of respondents believe a tangible Christmas card holds more sentimental value than a digital counterpart. Young adults aged 18-24 exhibited heightened excitement and gratitude during the holiday season, contrasting with lower levels reported by individuals over the age of 65.
Traditions deemed most significant included putting up the Christmas tree, dining with the entire family on Christmas day, and watching festive movies. Sending cards, partaking in the traditional turkey feast, and tuning in to festive TV specials also featured prominently.
Eight in 10 respondents expressed intentions to send Christmas cards this year, with only two percent admitting to never having sent one. Nearly half of the participants felt compelled to preserve Christmas traditions, especially with the inclusion of children in the family.
Dr. Linda Papadopoulos emphasized the enduring significance of handwritten Christmas cards in an increasingly digital landscape. She noted that the act of selecting, writing, and sending a physical card reflects the value placed on social connections and the effort invested in connecting with others during the festive season.
Nick Landon, Chief Commercial Officer at Royal Mail, acknowledged the enduring popularity of sending cards in a digital era, emphasizing the role of Christmas cards in spreading festive joy. He highlighted the substantial increase in posted mail during December, underscoring the enduring appeal of this cherished holiday tradition.
