Clearpay research: Tradition loving Brits prioritise pets over partners when buying Christmas 2023 presents

New research from Clearpay, a buy now, pay later specialist, exploring gift giving and festive traditions, reveals that 95% of Brits feel very protective over their family Christmas traditions, with 60% saying it would cause a family argument if anyone tried to change them.

The company surveyed 2,002 people for this.

Some traditions are known for spanning family generations and UK adults have revealed that watching the King's Speech is the oldest family moment that they still enjoy.

Gift giving is seen as one of the festive season’s biggest customs, but today Brits are far more concerned about what to gift their four legged companion compared to their partners, parents and children - with 90% of Brits stating they buy a different present for their pet each year, while just 17% buy a different present for their partner.

When looking at other festive traditions, despite Gen Z living online more than ever before, the research revealed that there has been a move towards sending physical Christmas cards with a third of this group choosing to send cards this year.

Classic Christmas decorations and real trees are some of the UK’s oldest festive traditions, but this is evolving with more than two-thirds of Brits (68%) opting for an artificial tree instead of a real one this season, with Clearpay reporting a 129% increase in sales of artificial Christmas trees year on year.

While the majority of Brits (86%) disapprove of people who deck the halls before December, Clearpay has seen a 228% surge in decoration purchases in comparison to last year’s festive season.

69% of men are more likely to adorn their trees with coloured fairy lights and tinsel, rather than white lights and modern decorations.

When asked about their festive decorations this year, 65% of Brits plan to follow a decorative scheme, with a ‘Royal Fairytale’ theme voted the most popular drawing inspiration from recent events such as the King's Coronation and return of The Crown and incorporating red, gold and luxurious decorations. 

The research offered some insights into how people will spend Christmas Day itself.

37% of Brits confess they won’t be dressing up for Christmas, with one in 10 respondents confessing to having bought their festive loungewear ahead of the holidays.

Meanwhile, data from Clearpay reveals it’s all about festive pyjamas this season, having seen a 50% increase in sales of festive pyjamas ahead of December, compared to the same period last year.

While the big day itself may be a chance for Brits to remain in their loungewear, getting dressed up during the festive season is still a highlight for many, with 15% of Brits expressing that getting glammed up for Christmas parties is their favourite part of the season.

Clearpay’s data reveals a 122% increase in sales of sequin dresses YoY, as well as a 282% surge in purchases of metallic heels this festive season, and a 212% jump in sales of Velvet trousers for this year’s Christmas parties.

Rich Bayer,  UK Country Manager at Clearpay, says: “This year it seems that Brits are looking for a convenient Christmas over anything else.”

“While choosing to keep some important traditions, many are opting to do Christmas their way - whether that’s investing in an artificial tree, making more considered gift purchases or spending the big day relaxing in festive pyjamas.”

“Making everything simpler means that they will have more time than ever before to spend with family and friends during the festive season.”