It’s official, the UK loves Christmas more than pubs, eating out and going on holiday according to new research into public opinion around Coronavirus restrictions.

We may be known for our love of booze and trips abroad, but according to the survey, led by Virustatic Shield, more than a third (41%) of welsh families would be happy to give up going to the pub for the rest of the year if it meant they could have a traditional Christmas.

Despite the lack of sun and downtime for many this year, 42% said they would sacrifice their holiday for a family festive season. A further 39% said they would be willing to give up eating out in restaurants in the months leading up to the big day.

Nearly one in three said (30%) said they would endure complete lockdown again in return for Christmas as normal and 25% of welsh families said they would be willing to self-isolate for 14 days before and after Christmas day just to be able to spend the day with their loved ones.

Perhaps more surprisingly, giving up boozy nights out was the most popular answer for those aged 18-24 with 40% saying they would rather spend Christmas together than visit the pub, or enjoying a night on the town.

Overall, the survey revealed high levels of compliance to coronavirus rules, but when it came to Christmas 38% said they plan to defy current Government guidelines.

– Survey reveals what Welsh families are willing to sacrifice to celebrate with their families.
– Over a third (38%) plan to defy Government guidelines for a proper Christmas this year.
– More than a quarter (30%) said they would continue to endure complete lockdown again in return for Christmas as normal.

“To be honest Christmas, especially a big Christmas gathering with people coming from across the country is an epidemiologist’s nightmare,” says Dr Rob Lambkin-Williams, a virologist and independent consultant.

“Being indoors, with loved ones, where individuals feel safe and relaxed could lead to many of the rules being ignored – especially if a festive tipple is involved! This environment could lead to quick spreading of any virus let alone a brand new one – such as COVID-19 which we all are still learning about.

“These survey results aren’t surprising as people have sacrificed seeing loved ones for the majority of the year, but hopefully people will stick to the rules and help keep the virus at bay.”

When asked why they would defy the rules, one respondent said, “I will be having Christmas with my whole family regardless of any rules” with another commenting “we need to abandon these pointless lockdown rules and return to normality.”

With many feeling the North and South divide has been getting even stronger during the pandemic, the results showed little variation, with individuals up and down the country collectively happy to flout to get festive.

In regional COVID hotspots such as the North East and North West though, giving up a pint with pals or fizz with friends was the most popular answer and has been where the Government has focused its tightening of restrictions.

With Coronavirus rules varying depending on whether you live in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland and with millions of people also being affected by extra local restrictions and areas divided by three tiers, no one can be really sure what Christmas this year will entail.

Commenting on the survey findings, Andy Wadlow, Director, at Virustatic Shield the only face covering with a unique protein coating proven to protect against COVID-19, said: “We all view Christmas as the most wonderful time of the year and in 2020 we can fully understand why the general public are desperate for some much needed festive cheer, especially surrounded by those they love

“What we hope to see in the coming weeks, is that by strictly following the government’s advice by wearing face coverings (and those with real protection!) regular hand sanitising, adhering to social distancing measures and obeying local tiers – we may just get to celebrate Christmas but I would envisage only smaller numbers being allowed.”

* Virustatic Shield polled over 2,000 UK Adults (Nationally Representative) by using Onepoll.