The extent to which Christmas has been over-commercialised has
been debated long and hard in press and in private. Polling by
Kantar company, TNS BMRB shows that 48% like Christmas, but feel
that it is over-commercialised.
Disillusionment with the season increases relative to age. Over
half of those aged 16-24 and 25-34 (55% and 54% respectively) say
that they love Christmas and everything about it; yet over half of
those over 35 responded that they like Christmas but feel that it
is over-commercialised.
Having children increases the likelihood of overlooking the
commerciality of Christmas, with 46% of those with children under
fifteen still living at home responding that they love everything
about Christmas compared to only 27% of those without children
under fifteen living at home.
However, the belief that Christmas is over-commercialised has
not led to the public saying that they would do without the cards
and presents associated with the season, with only 15% saying that
they are ok with Christmas but could do without the cards and
presents. This belief increases to 23% of those aged 55 - 64 and
20% of those aged 65 and over. Thus, whilst a sizeable proportion
say that Christmas is over-commercialised, it appears that the
public enjoy the cards and presents associated with Christmas. It
is the commerciality of the festive season which rankles, rather
than the purchasing and exchanging of gifts and cards.
Source: TNS, Kantar