A new survey by Stannah highlights the mixed emotions many people experience during Christmas, balancing extended family time with common irritations and concerns about hosting relatives with mobility needs.

The research, conducted in December 2025, found that 41% of respondents will spend more time with family at Christmas than during the rest of the year combined. While this increased togetherness is often valued, it can also heighten tension when people spend long periods together in close proximity.

The survey identified a range of festive family frustrations. The most commonly cited were:

• Spending too much time on phones at 33%
• Avoiding helping with jobs around the house at 25%
• Raising controversial topics such as politics at 22%
• Criticising the cooking at 21%
• Hogging the TV remote at 16%
• Loud snoring at 16%
• Wanting to change the thermostat at 13%
• Taking too much food at meals at 13%
• Hogging the bathroom at 13%

More than a third of respondents, 35%, said they plan to retreat to their bedroom at some point during celebrations to take a break from family. This behaviour was most common among younger adults, with 52% of those aged 18 to 24 expecting to do so. By contrast, 59% of people aged over 65 said they would not retreat at all, suggesting older generations are more likely to embrace extended family time without stepping away.

Family psychotherapist Anjula Mutanda, who collaborated with Stannah on the survey, said this behaviour can be healthy rather than harmful.

“With a large proportion of people spending more time with their family at Christmas than the rest of the year combined, the whole family is placed in a position that is different from their norm. Being around loved ones is special and invaluable, but for long periods of time in close proximity, social batteries can be drained faster, and small frustrations can then explode.”

She added: “Moderation is key and ‘me time’ away from your family is completely healthy. I recommend giving yourself a set amount of time each day where you actively engage and socialise with your family members; and then, give yourself some down time where you head to the sanctuary of your bedroom to recharge and recuperate. If you feel like it is necessary.”

The survey also found significant concern around accessibility when hosting family members with mobility issues. Over one in five respondents, 22%, said they worried their home was not accessible enough for safe movement. The same proportion said overnight stays could be difficult due to limited accessibility.

Among those hosting relatives with mobility needs, 75% said they plan to make adjustments, with 53% opting for smaller changes to improve safety and comfort.

Amy Francis Smith, Stannah’s resident inclusive design expert, said uncertainty around how to help can be a source of stress for hosts.

“It’s common to feel the pressure when accommodating family members with limited mobility as people can find it difficult to know how best to support them.

“The most important thing to note is that the best support is completely dependent on the individual and their needs, so I recommend having that discussion with your loved one before they arrive to spend Christmas with you.

“If they are unsteady on their feet, for example, they might require trip hazards to be accounted for. You can do this by tidying up scattered Christmas presents, keeping the stairs clear, fixing down or removing rugs and ensuring young children aren’t getting too underfoot.

“Assign them a high seat around the dinner table that can make the transition from sitting to standing easier. Temporary suction or under mattress grab rails for the bedroom and bathroom can also support in the same way from the toilet or the bed.”

She added: “Preparation is always key when hosting Christmas as a standard but particularly translates to family members who may need a little extra support with their mobility issues in mind.”

The findings reflect the balancing act many households face during the Christmas season, combining shared time with personal space while ensuring that homes are safe and inclusive for all family members.