What the people of Ireland really want this Christmas

As the festive season approaches, a new survey of 1,038 Irish adults released by One4all Gift Cards, reveal that 41% of participants say Christmas shown on social media by celebrities and influencers doesn’t reflect the truth of a real family Christmas around Ireland. Revealing that Irish people are feeling the weight of social media’s portrayal of a “perfect” Christmas. 

47% of respondents admit they feel influenced to buy the things they see on their social media feeds to create the perfect Christmas – leading to 44% admitting they do spend more money than they anticipated at Christmas on decorations, household décor, outfits, food and drinks trying to achieve a similar look to what they are seeing on social media.

But most Irish adults’ favourite Christmas moments involve simply spending time with loved ones (58%). In reality, a bit of chaos and mess is all part of the fun of a real Irish Christmas, for 51%.

Lou Hickey, EMEA Marketing Director at One4all Gift Cards, emphasizes this sentiment:  

“Christmas is a special time of year for many people, and our research shows that while social media can create pressure for perfection, many embrace the joy of a real, lived-in Christmas. It's encouraging to see that beyond polished and curated social media posts, what truly matters most to people is spending quality time with loved ones, sharing meals, and enjoying the tradition of gift-giving.”  

The findings highlight a tension between the desire to create magical moments and the need to stay grounded. While 91% admit to overspending in the hunt for the perfect gift, 35% believe gift-giving often misses the mark.  

For families looking to simplify, the One4all Gift Card offers a versatile solution, allowing recipients to choose something meaningful across more than 13,000 outlets nationwide. With its ease of purchase and range of values, it’s a practical way to refocus on the true spirit of the season—connection and joy.