A recent study by the Policy Institute at King’s College London has revealed a staggering ninefold increase in the number of young adults spending Christmas Day alone compared to 1969. The research, which compares festive behaviors over a 55-year period, shows that one in 11 people aged 21-34 will be spending the holiday alone in 2024, a sharp rise from just one in 100 in 1969.
Rising Loneliness Across All Age Groups
Overall, the percentage of people spending Christmas Day alone has more than doubled, rising from 5% in 1969 to 11% in 2024. However, for those aged 65 and over, the proportion of people spending the holiday alone has remained steady at 15%.
Prof. Bobby Duffy, director of the Policy Institute, commented on the findings:
“Christmas is just a little bit lonelier and less joyous or magical than it was 55 years ago. The proportion of people spending the day itself alone has doubled, and we’re less likely to say we enjoy it. But despite this, a large majority – eight in 10 – still say they do enjoy Christmas, and nine in 10 will spend it with family or friends.”
Decline in Festive Enjoyment and Tradition
The study also found a slight drop in festive enjoyment, with 80% of people today saying they enjoy Christmas compared to 86% in 1969. Additionally, fewer people believe parents should encourage children to believe in Santa Claus.
Retail trends have also drawn criticism, with 79% of respondents agreeing that shops push Christmas goods too early in the year. This sentiment has grown significantly among men, with 81% of males surveyed sharing this view, up from 59% in 1969.
Shift from Religion to Family
The religious significance of Christmas has declined over the decades, with 60% of people now viewing Christmas as primarily a family occasion, up from 53% in 1969.
Joe, 35, from London, is among the growing number of people spending Christmas alone. He views the holiday as an opportunity for personal relaxation, saying:
“The script for the day will be entirely mine. It’ll be salmon and poached eggs for breakfast, a Bailey’s whenever I please, and whatever the hell I want for dinner. Why so many of us subject ourselves to the nightmare of Christmas travel, the commercialism, and the expectations is beyond me.”
Some Things Remain the Same
Despite massive societal changes, some traditions and attitudes toward Christmas have stayed consistent. Even in 1969, eight in 10 people believed Christmas was too commercialized—a sentiment echoed in the 2024 survey.
Prof. Duffy reflected on the findings:
“These long-term trends remind us that while much has changed, some things remain the same. Even back in 1969, there were complaints about Christmas being overly commercialized.”
