Nearly two in five Brits say Christmas without internet would be catastrophic, with connectivity deemed essential for households trying to maintain peace. A third of Brits (33%) plan to start the day by scrolling social media, while a quarter (24%) intend to escape Christmas tension by doomscrolling.
According to new research from Virgin Media O2, Christmas without Wi-Fi would be a disaster for millions, with 38% of respondents stating that losing internet access would be catastrophic. Wi-Fi disruption is perceived as a greater threat to Christmas enjoyment than food or gift-related issues. Many Brits expressed concern about keeping family and friends entertained without internet access.
New broadband network data highlights how essential connectivity is for activities like present opening and family interactions, as well as for unwinding and enjoying Christmas TV.
Virgin Media O2’s broadband data reveals a new digital timetable for Christmas Day. Last year, network activity peaked at 11 a.m. and then declined later in the day as people stepped away from screens.
From 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., broadband traffic begins to rise, with 31% of the population checking social media before opening gifts. Early-morning usage starts lower than an average weekday but increases rapidly, surpassing daily traffic averages by 8 a.m.
Between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., broadband traffic sharply rises as present opening occurs across the UK. This year, 21% of households expect to receive a new phone, and 27% plan to unwrap new streaming or gaming subscriptions.
From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., broadband traffic peaks as families make video calls and set up new devices. In the early afternoon, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., traffic dips as many enjoy Christmas lunch, taking breaks from screens for walks or board games.
In the evening, broadband traffic again rises from 5:30 p.m. as most Brits (68%) settle down to stream Christmas TV and films. Last year, evening traffic peaked at 9 p.m. during the Gavin and Stacey Reunion Christmas Special, with a slight drop after 10 p.m. as people start to doze off, followed by later peaks in upload traffic as some post content before sleep.
Expectations for a perfect Christmas are causing stress, with over half of Brits (52%) citing cooking as the main source of tension. Other stressors include getting others to clean up (46%), competitive behavior (40%), and arguments over games (26%). Nearly a quarter (24%) plan to sneak off to doomscroll, and 19% intend to call absent friends or family.
Traditions are changing, with more time spent on gadgets than on opening presents, and streaming has surpassed traditional viewing habits like watching the King’s Speech. Almost two-thirds (65%) do not plan to watch it this year, while 89% will instead stream other Christmas TV shows or films.
Gareth Lister, Director of Connectivity at Virgin Media O2, noted that network traffic illustrates how much Brits rely on connectivity for staying in touch, streaming entertainment, and managing the day’s activities.
He emphasized the importance of ensuring internet readiness for families, suggesting steps like placing the Wi-Fi router in a central location and checking broadband speed ahead of time. He also recommended setting up connected gifts in advance.
This year’s top Christmas Day stressors among Brits include:
– Cooking stress – 52%
– Persuading others to clean up – 46%
– Overly competitive behavior – 40%
– Fights breaking out over games – 26%
– Avoiding certain relatives – 21%
– Pressure to keep everyone entertained – 37%
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