Newbury: Is technology changing Xmas? asks Vanson Bourne

Vanson Bourne in Newbury, a key market researcher in global IT, has surveyed 1,000 consumers regarding Christmas habits to find out if and how technology is reshaping Yuletide.

According to the research, technology is changing some Christmas traditions, with the majority not surprisingly around shopping:

• 90% of respondents now buy some gifts online
• 10% of respondents usually shop online on Christmas Day
• 71% of respondents send a text message on Xmas day and on average send 11 texts
• Just 26% watch the Queen’s speech at 3pm (8% will watch it later).

But, says Vanson, there are some reactions against the instant gratification of the online world:

• 22% of people re-gift at least one present, so austerity is hitting hard - or does this frugality suggest a more sustainable approach to Yuletide?
• 70% of us eat sprouts – are they no longer the Christmas vegetable to avoid?
• People think retailers should not put up Christmas decorations until November 25.