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Survey Reveals The Activities Brits Will Miss The Most This Festive Season

1st December 2020

Photograph of Survey Reveals The Activities Brits Will Miss The Most This Festive Season

The office Christmas party tops the list of the festivities Brits are most disappointed about missing out on this year.



The survey of more than 8,700 people carried out by well-known UK hotel group Macdonald Hotels, the parent company to Macdonald Aviemore Resort, analysed the attitudes of Brits as they prepare for what is set to be the most restrictive Christmas in generations.



With many workers separated from colleagues for almost 10 months, it appears that most Brits were looking forward to catching up at the annual celebration.



Restrictions on gatherings and social distancing guidelines mean that people are unable to spend time with family and friends enjoying the activities that make the holidays special.



34% of people identified their workplace party as the activity they will miss the most, while 32% were most frustrated that they could not visit a Christmas market this year.



The cancellation of pantomimes (13%), school and church nativity plays (12%) and Christmas carol concerts (7%) have also caused disappointment amongst Brits.



Iain Miller, managing director of Macdonald Aviemore Resort said: "Some people dread the annual ‘works night out', but with many of us isolated from colleagues for most of the year, there is a real desire to catch up off the clock over some mulled wine.



"While I am sure there will be plenty of Zoom holiday parties taking place this year, I think many would agree it's not the same.



“Unfortunately, this festive season is going to look very different, but there are still lots of things we can do to keep the magic of Christmas alive."



The same survey also found that 83% of people would feel safe visiting a hotel, restaurant or bar when they open for the festive season. As it stands hospitality venues will re-open in England on 2 December, while Scotland is set to lift restrictions on 11 December.





Iain Miller continued: “We can’t recreate the extravagant Christmas markets and, unfortunately, we won’t be able to host large holiday parties for people and their colleagues, but Christmas has definitely not been cancelled at Macdonald Aviemore Resort.



“In line with government guidelines, we expect our hotels across the country to start welcoming guests back from early December."



“We are fortunate enough to operate in a Tier 1 location, meaning we can still welcome guests from our area for an overnight stay, festive lunch or a visit to Santa’s Grotto. Our Resort has already been transformed into a magical winter wonderland, with Santa, his elves and reindeer all here for the season.”



Macdonald Aviemore Resort operates to the highest standard of hygiene, with regular and thorough cleaning process. The hotel’s policies are summarised in its ‘Safe & Sound’ strategy which identifies the steps taken to keep all guests safe. All bookings allow free changes, and in many cases are completely flexible, letting guests amend or cancel their trip within 24 hours of their stay.

www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/our-hotels/scotland/aviemore/macdonald-aviemore-resort

Surveyed carried out directly by Macdonald Hotels and received 8,778 completed submissions

3,019 (34.4%) identified the office party as the activity they are most disappointed about missing

2,782 (31.7%) identified the Christmas market as the activity they are most disappointed about missing

1,097 (12.5%) identified the pantomime as the activity they are most disappointed about missing

1,044 (11.9%) identified the school nativity play as the activity they are most disappointed about missing

579 (6.6%) identified the Christmas carolling as the activity they are most disappointed about missing

7,285 (83%) noted feeling comfortable and safe about visiting restaurants, hotels or bars during the festive period