Research reveals that ‘quality time’ and ‘home-cooked food’ are more important to the nation than toys and tech this festive period.

The big day is fast approaching, and with pressures mounting to have ‘the best Christmas ever’ following the last few years of restricted celebrations, the nation is preparing itself for a festive season to remember. But, with the cost of living raising anxieties about how to afford Christmas this year, and 40% of parents planning to only buy presents for their children to reduce costs – how can households ensure that the festivities are just as magical?

National and award-winning housebuilder, St. Modwen Homes, has revealed that this Christmas, the nation will be placing more importance on tradition, quality time, and giving – rather than toys, tech, and all of the trimmings.

Quality time over Quality Street

According to St. Modwen Homes, the UK’s most treasured possession this Christmas will be its time. Spending quality time with family, friends, and neighbours will be more important than ever before in 2022 – replacing expensive presents with valuable presence.

So, what are households most looking forward to taking part in this year? Google search data reveals that volunteering, baking, and crafts will be key in the run up to the big day:

• Christmas volunteering 2022 – up 500% on Google
• Easy Christmas crafts – up 190% on Google
• Christmas baking – up 50% on Google

With 60% of us expecting to cut non-essential spending this festive period, using our time wisely and charitably is important. With a 500% increase in interest in volunteering, the nation is very aware that this December will be a tough time for many families, and many people are looking to lend a hand in any way they can.

Baking and cooking seem to be increasingly popular this year, too. Instead of buying tins of sweets and expensive desserts, households will be putting their Great British Bake-Off knowledge to the test, and getting their rolling pins out to create their very own Yuletide masterpieces. Replacing speedy purchases with fun processes like baking helps to create a delightful schedule of events for the whole family to enjoy – and avoids spending extra cash on pricey tickets or experiences that may well be out of the budget this year, too.

Speaking of fun processes, crafting is set to be another popular activity this December – and one the whole family can get stuck into, creating those all-important memories. From creating personalised decorations for the home, to making gifts for family and friends without having to hit the high street – there are hundreds of ways the nation will be cutting, sticking, and colouring its own fun this Christmas. Think homemade Christmas cards (currently a trending search on Google) and wrapping paper (searches up 200%) – we’re set to be avid crafters this festive season.

It’s all fun and games

Alongside crafting and baking, family games are set to be huge this Christmas. After all, nothing beats a bit of family friendly competition. With quality time becoming increasingly important, games are a great way for the whole household to get together and spend some (hopefully) wholesome hours together. Google search data reveals that this year, board games, party games, and dinner table fun will be all the rage:

• Family board games – up 450% on Google
• Christmas table party games – up 110% on Google
• Christmas crackers – up 60% on Google

Board games are the ultimate pastime during the winter months, especially when the whole family is over to enjoy the fun. With a 450% increase in interest in family board games, households across the nation will be dusting off the cobwebs from their monopoly and scrabble boards. With more than a quarter of us expecting to purchase second-hand this year, pre-loved board and card games are a great example of how households can save a bit of money this Christmas, without compromising on fun.

Alongside board games, the nation is also on the hunt for table party games and activities, according to Google. From charades to Christmas quizzes, these fun activities are set to be as popular as ever (with searches up 110%) as families plan to increase their quality time with each other, and use the festive downtime for bonding. The Christmas table is often the most intimate part of the big day – where the whole family gathers in one space and enjoys a hard-earned feast together. So, table games, Christmas crackers, and entertaining traditions are a wonderful way to get a fuzzy, festive atmosphere flowing.

Love is in the air

So, with ‘quality time’ being the main focus for households this festive period, St. Modwen Homes is encouraging the nation to take initiative to use your home as a base for eating, drinking, laughing, playing, and loving this Christmas. Expensive toys, pricey tech, and extravagant dishes are lovely to include into your plans if you can – but this Christmas, it’s all about who you have around you, and how you choose to embrace the situation.

St. Modwen Homes provides family properties, ideal for hosting celebrations and get-togethers, in a number of locations around the UK. With open plan living spaces, and brightness engineered into every area, a St. Modwen home is built to be your base for all of life’s significant events.

For more information about St. Modwen Homes, please visit here.