Cooking and chores ‘steal three hours of Christmas Day for Britons’

‘There’s only 24 hours in a day and seemingly many are lost in the kitchen,’ says industry expert

Taking on the washing up, disposing of wrapping paper and cooking the Christmas lunch were the top responsibilities held by respondents on the big day (SWNS)

Millions of Britons will spend more than three hours in the kitchen this Christmas day – with many missing out on key moments like gift opening, the Royal broadcast, and the post-lunch snooze.

Research of 2,000 adults found 48 per cent of those taking on the chores wished they had more time to spend with their loved ones on Christmas day.

But while 41 per cent of guests admitted they feel bad for hosts that are left out of the action – they still don’t offer to help.

Of those taking on less than desirable chores, a quarter (25 per cent) have even missed the delivery of some big family news, such as a pregnancy announcement.

David Palmer, from LG Electronics, which commissioned the research, said: “There is no doubt there’s many people missing out on the true joys of Christmas as chores get in the way.

“There’s only 24 hours in a day and seemingly many are lost in the kitchen, scrubbing the stubborn dishes, while others get to enjoy a more leisurely time.”

Taking on the washing up, disposing of wrapping paper and cooking the Christmas lunch were the top responsibilities held by respondents on the big day.

While stacking the dishwasher with plates, emptying bins and wiping down surfaces were other thankless tasks taken on.

And 22 per cent even find themselves getting out the vacuum on Christmas Day as 41 per cent don’t tend to finish clean-up operation before 8pm.

Some of the top moments missed due to cleaning and cooking duties include the delight from a loved one after opening a gift under the tree, the Royal Christmas broadcast and seeing someone open a gift you have given them.

And 36 per cent were left wishing they got more help on Christmas day, according to the OnePoll data.

Of the 70 per cent polled who own a dishwasher, a third are left frustrated by the amount of loading and unloading they have to do over the key festive days.

To avoid having to do any washing up, one in six have pretended to be asleep in front of the telly and 15 per cent conveniently time a walk.

And scrubbing the stubborn pots and pans, doing the washing up and taking on the cooking itself were seen as the worst chores on Christmas day.