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New research revealed that some of the most typical habits that Britons will “shamelessly make” during the Christmas festivities include smoking, overeating and re-gifting. A survey conducted by Haypp found that a quarter of people will wear an offensively cheesy Christmas jumper, and a further 15 percent will add Christmas-themed decorations such as a headband or earrings.
In terms of gifts, some of the most common mistakes include regifting, which the study unveiled that 20 percent of Britons do.
A further 10 percent will not bring a courtesy gift for the host and some don’t even wrap their gifts.
Regarding dinner table disasters, one in five Britons will undo their trousers at the dinner table after overindulging, the study unveiled.
“A belly blunder should definitely be avoided as overeating is seen to be rude, especially amongst company,” the experts said.
According to the research, 15 percent admitted to drinking far too much on Christmas Day and a further five percent have even been sick as a result.
One in 10 people in the UK also admitted to leaving the dinner table on Christmas Day for a cigarette, and some will vape inside other people’s homes.
Other habits that should be avoided are arriving late, overstaying your welcome and not offering to help the host.
Laura Ceccherini-Windsor, etiquette and protocol consultant from The Laura Windsor Etiquette Academy, commented on the most embarrassing moments.
Wearing a cheesy jumper
Laura said it is always “lovely to communicate your enthusiasm and positivity” but as you fumble through your jumper drawer “remember that less is always more”.
“You can always let your personality shine through in other ways,” she suggested.
Regifting a Christmas present
The etiquette expert said: “Be aware that if you do re-gift an item, no one must ever know – not the original giver nor the receiver.
“People should make sure there are at least six degrees of separation between them”. Also, make sure that the items are brand new, recently received, and not used and that the gift has not been personalised in any way.
Undoing trousers at the dinner table
At the table people are more sensitive and observant than usual, the expert explained, and eating isn’t particularly “an attractive manoeuvre” and “unbuttoning your trousers is certainly not an elegant gesture,” she said.
Drinking too much
People want to enjoy themselves over Christmas but “it is better to pace yourself,” Laura warned.
“Just like the hostess must keep pace with the slowest eater at the table, keeping pace with the slowest drinkers is also advised. Being sick is the ultimate faux pas and you may end up being a laughing stock,” she explained.
Leaving the dinner table for a cigarette
Finally, Laura revealed this is another “embarrassing mistake”. She said: “If you are dying for a cigarette, try and exercise a bit of self-control and wait for a course to finish, preferably towards the end of the meal.”
If people do leave the table to smoke or vape, they need to be aware that the smell will linger, so take care to wash your hands, have a mint or use a mouth spray before returning to the table.
The top festive faux-pas completed by Britons are:
- Wearing a cheesy jumper
- Regifting a Christmas present
- Undoing trousers at the dinner table
- Not sending Christmas cards/thank you cards
- Wearing Christmas-themed accessories
- Drinking too much
- Leaving the dinner table for a cigarette
- Not catering for vegetarians/ vegans
- Not plating the dinner nicely/ correctly
- Not wrapping Christmas gifts
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