The happiest point of Christmas Day is 1.55pm, it has been revealed.
A study into our happiness levels on one of the biggest days of the year shows most people are so worried about things running smoothly they don’t truly enjoy themselves until early afternoon.
People are only 100 per cent happy once the presents have been opened, dinner has been cooked and served, and the children have excitedly opened their stockings.
Other factors which contribute to an afternoon and evening of fun and festivity include realising everyone is happy with what they have been given for Christmas, and having that first tipple of the day.
The report shows the initial stress is more than worth it – as over half of those polled say Christmas Day is their favourite holiday and a third say it’s the happiest day of the year.
A spokesman for Three Barrels Brandy, which commissioned the study of 2,000 people, said:
“A lot of thought and effort goes into each and every Christmas, and people work hard to make it special and create memories that will last a lifetime.
“Christmas morning tends to be a rush in most households – mums are struggling with the dinner, children are unwrapping presents, and dads are finding batteries to go in the toys.
“It’s important to try and enjoy those more hectic moments as well, as these often make the funniest Christmas memoires and will be told at Christmas’ for years to come.”
Understandably, three quarters of those polled claim the Christmas dinner is largely responsible for any stress endured on the morning of the 25th.
Ensuring all foods are cooked and ready at the same time provides endless worry for mums and dads up and down the country.
But once dinner is on the table, 56 per cent of people reach their happiest point of the day. But when it comes to being even happier at Christmas, 36 per cent say they would feel more relaxed and content if they were able to celebrate with just their immediate family.
A further third would prefer it if someone else could cater for them on the 25th December, while 27 per cent relish the thought of being able to put their feet up all day long.
Other items on the Christmas happiness ‘wish list’ were having a personal shopper to get all the presents, ditching the Christmas roast for an easier option and naturally getting more presents. One in five said Christmas would be better if only the children would just sleep in a bit longer.
But despite a lack of sleep it seems family time is what counts on Christmas Day – a staggering 71 per cent said that’s what it’s all about for them.
The spokesman for Three Barrels Brandy added “It’s sometimes easy to get carried away with the planning and worry that comes with arranging Christmas, and before you know it it’s been and gone.
“On Christmas Day, most adults are more concerned about creating a happy day for everyone else, but it is important that people can enjoy the holiday for themselves as well.”
