British blokes say Christmas would be better if they were in charge, it has been revealed.
Despite the majority of men taking a backseat at Christmas, a third of guys reckon they would be better at organising the big day.
The findings emerged in a study of 2,000 men commissioned by Red Tractor beef and lamb to launch their seasonal campaign ‘A Father’s Christmas’, and show that in most partnerships the female tends to decide how the day will be spent, how the food will be cooked and where they will be.
But two-fifths of men reckon proceedings would be altogether less stressful if they had a say in matters.
Indeed, blokes believe THEIR Christmas would be less rushed, cheaper and more relaxing.
Jane Ritchie-Smith of Red Tractor beef and lamb said: “It interesting to see that so many men are keen to take on the challenge of Christmas and have their say on festive celebrations.
“As the majority of men tend to watch from the side-lines at Christmas, it is positive news that a large number want to do things their way.
“We hope to see men up and down the country put their money where their mouth is and take charge of Christmas this year. Festivities may change in many households but it could be for the better”
The poll shows that, given the chance to take charge at Christmas, a bold one in five men would radically change the Christmas Day menu.
Of these people, a quarter of men would do away with turkey for their ideal Christmas dinner – choosing a different meat for their roast – while almost a fifth would opt for steak and chips.
A cheeky 20 per cent said they would choose a takeaway for Christmas Day.
Other changes for Christmas Day include getting the children to help out in the kitchen more and buying presents already gift-wrapped.
Fifteen per cent of men would choose to stay at home on Christmas Day, with fewer visits to see extended family, while 11 per cent like the idea of sitting down together with traditional games and entertainment.
The research indicates 40 per cent of men would avoid spending the festive season with their in-laws if they thought they could get away with it.
And 36 per cent of blokes would also prioritise their favourite television programmes over days out to see Santa, family visits and trips to see the in-laws.
Just over half of those polled wouldn’t send out Christmas cards as they can’t be bothered to write and post them.
But, despite having a relatively rebellious attitude towards Christmas and the way things are normally done, 66 per cent of men admit their priority during December is their family and making sure they are happy.
Jane Ritchie-Smith from Red Tractor beef and lamb continues: “Men do actually want to make sure their families have a great time at Christmas, they just have a slightly different set of priorities.
“In general, they don’t think things like Christmas decorations, Christmas cards and presents are particularly important and they might have a point.
“There might be something quite refreshing in letting men do Christmas their way – women might actually find they quite like it.
“We want to see men have their say on Christmas, and to give them a little inspiration, we have some delicious, yet simple, recipes available at simplybeefandlamb.co.uk, plus some top tips to help them rustle up a festive feast and organise a fantastic Christmas for all the family.”
The survey also shows men generally hate crowded streets full of shoppers at Christmas, over-spending and the fact the occasion is too commercial.
A fifth can’t bear to hear carols on the radio months in advance of the actual day, while 14 per cent get irritated with hyperactive children.
Other blokes’ bug-bears include having to figure out how to operate children’s toys, travel congestion and last-minute shopping trips on Christmas Eve.
Actor and Dad, Will Mellor, who is supporting ‘A Father’s Christmas’ from Red Tractor beef and lamb says: “Christmas is always fantastic in my house but, if I were in charge, celebrations would end up being very different.
“We’d have to have a proper Christmas dinner with all the trimmings but I’d definitely make the menu a bit simpler the rest of the time. On Boxing Day, I’d get a quick beef pie on the table to make sure I can play with the kids and have time to fit in some footie on the TV. The kids would still get great presents but they might end up with a few big ones to make the shopping and wrapping quicker and easier!”
To have your say on Christmas and to download festive advice and recipes go to www.simplybeefandlamb.co.uk/christmas for more information about ‘A Father’s Christmas’.
