Most Brits avoid crowds and socialising over Christmas as top 10 excuses are revealed

FIRST there was Quiet Quitting, now there is Quiet Christmas, as more than half of adults will choose to avoid crowds and social occasions this holiday season.

After the rise in popularity of ‘Quiet Quitting’ at work and the ‘Quiet Breakup’ of leaving a relationship, research suggests people are gently disengaging from the season.

Nearly a fifth of 2,000 adults polled have no plans at all for December, with Gen Z most likely to do this.

But 62 per cent who are likely to be by themselves said even though they might be alone, they won’t feel lonely.

And 54 per cent admitted they can feel ‘overwhelmed or overstimulated’ during the Christmas period, with Londoners feeling this most.

With many being alone due to friends and family having other plans (13 per cent), finding family or social gatherings stressful (13 per cent), as well as experiencing seasonal social anxiety (10 per cent).

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Off the back of these findings, more than one in 10 choose to go to the cinema solo, to help with any potential feelings of loneliness.

The research was commissioned by ODEON with broadcaster Clara Amfo backing the campaign, who said: “I’ve being going to the cinema on my own for years and I truly enjoy it.

“There is no need to speak and be ‘on’. You get your ticket, show up and let the film take over, sharing something special with a room full of strangers.

“During this festive period, when everything can feel louder and more demanding, that kind of quiet shared experience can be a much-needed antidote that we all deserve.”

The study went on to find 20 per cent of those who will be invited to a festive event, will always or often turn them down.

With some of the key boundaries set to protect energy being to limit the number of engagements they have in a week (27 per cent) or moderating alcohol intake (26 per cent). 

As 24 per cent described a drop-in visit with no warning as the most draining type of communication in December.

While 16 per cent feel wiped out by large group chats constantly going off, and 11 per cent by video calls, according to the OnePoll.com figures.

More than a tenth (11 per cent) expect to be totally solo this Christmas Eve, and 12 per cent the day itself, while 13 per cent won’t see others on New Year’s Day, or New Year’s Eve.

But this can come with positives, as 28 per cent who may spend time by themselves are actively looking to recharge, and 27 per cent simply enjoy it.

The research also looked into the effect film can have on seasonal moods, with 40 per cent enjoying comedy films solo during this time of year – most likely a festive or Christmas movie.

Some top films deemed to always lift the nation’s mood were Home Alone (24 per cent), Love Actually (15 per cent) and It’s A Wonderful Life (10 per cent). 

Suzie Welch, MD of ODEON UKI, said: “Our research shows that many people spending Christmas alone wouldn’t describe themselves as lonely, but that doesn’t mean they don’t feel disconnected at times.

“ODEON can offer something simple to combat loneliness, something meaningful.

“A place to go if you’re having a ‘Quiet Christmas’ where being on your own still feels like being part of something, with no pressure and no big plans, just great films and a warm welcome.”

Stephen Buckley, head of information at Mind, said: “It’s positive to see people feeling able to choose how they spend the festive period.

Social connections can boost our wellbeing but making time for ourselves away from societal pressures can feel good too.

“That might mean getting outside, going to the cinema – where you can be around others without the pressure to interact – or finding something creative that brings you joy.

“For anyone feeling overwhelmed or struggling with their mental health, you are not alone and support is available for example from Mind’s online support platform Side by Side.”