Adults are supersizing their Christmas decorations this year - with four in 10 planning on putting up three or more trees.
A poll of 2,000 adults who decorate for the season found one in 10 plan to put up more trees in their home this year compared to previous.
In addition to the 20 per cent who plan to put up three or more trees, 27 per cent plan on putting up two and 51 per cent are going to put up one.
And the living room (94 per cent), dining room (46 per cent) and hallway (40 per cent) will be the most popular rooms to decorate.
With 52 per cent spending more time and money on deciding and organising the trees, decorations and lights at Christmas now than they did 10 years ago.
This is because it makes them happier (56 per cent), they want to make a welcoming space for loved ones (50 per cent) and think it makes their home look better in snaps (31 per cent).
The luxury artificial Christmas tree and decor brand Balsam Hill [https://www.balsamhill.co.uk/top-of-the-tree-competition-laura-whitmore] conducted the research to launch its competition to find the UK’s most talented, self-taught tree-decorator.
The winner being able to design a festive wonderland for presenter and Christmas enthusiast, Laura Whitmore.
The Irish media personality said, “Christmas has always been my favourite time of year, so I’m incredibly excited to be judging this competition and to help celebrate all the amazing talent out there.
“I always collect a new bauble from every place I visit, so when I decorate, I’m reliving all those beautiful memories.
“That’s what I love most about Christmas decorating- it’s so personal. I can’t wait to see how people across the UK express their stories and style through their trees.”
The study also found as many as 18 per cent will have their tree pride of place in the front room (or elsewhere) before November is finished.
But nearly as many (17 per cent) won’t get theirs sorted until between December 15th and 24th – practically the day itself.
They’ll spend an average of four hours ornamenting the trees along with other rooms in the house, with Londoners taking a marathon 5.27 hours.
While men are more likely to spend more time and money on decorating compared to women; (4.35hrs vs 3.68hrs) and (£79.28 vs £49.69) each year.
And the optimum time to put up your Christmas tree is exactly 1:31pm on the 5th December.
The research also found, for 24 per cent, decorating the tree also involves putting Christmas music on (54 per cent), sipping on a festive drink (24 per cent) and even donning a Christmas jumper to set the mood (21 per cent).
While 14 per cent also bake festive cookies and 13 per cent put on a Santa hat or reindeer antlers.
It also emerged that less than one in five (18 per cent) Gen-Z will be using an angel as the topper this year, with the star deemed more popular for 47 per cent.
Tinsel is also making a comeback with 27 per cent of Gen-Z, 31 per cent of Millennials and 44 per cent of Boomers planning on using it on their tree this year.
While more than one in 10 (11 per cent) Gen-Z go as far as decorating their bathrooms.
A third believe their Christmas decorating skills are generally better than their friends and over half (51 per cent) have gone to their parents’ or friends’ houses to help them decorate.
Decorating their home for Christmas is one of the most important parts of the season for more than a third (34 per cent).
And of those who took part in the study by OnePoll.com, 11 per cent get inspiration from influencers or social media trends, while almost one in 10 (nine per cent) like their decs to be ‘social media-worthy’.
Mac Harman, CEO of Balsam Hill, says, “We’ve seen a clear shift in Christmas decorating to become a significant creative outlet and an opportunity to stand out.
“It’s no longer just a hobby; for many, it's a creative performance where their tree is the star.
“Our research shows that Christmas is now a showcase, and many are honing their craft so much that they’re an amateur interiors expert for friends and family.
“Our ‘Top of The Tree’ competition is here to give these talented individuals the spotlight they deserve.
“We want to celebrate the passion and skill that goes into creating a memorable Christmas.”
THINGS PEOPLE DO WHILE DECORATING THEIR CHRISTMAS TREE:
1. Put Christmas music on
2. Sing along to the music
3. Take photos or videos
4. Hang up sentimental ornaments
5. Light a Christmas-scented candle
6. Wrap a few presents to place under the tree
7. Watch a Christmas movie in the background
8. Sip on a festive drink
9. Wear a Christmas jumper
10. Share the moment with family or friends via video call
11. Sharing pictures of my decorating on social media
12. Bake Christmas cookies
13. Put on a Santa hat or reindeer antlers
14. Dance around the tree
15. Get pets involved
16. Play a festive game or quiz
17. Make a DIY ornament
18. Listening to a podcast
19. Lifestream my decorating on social media
20. Read a Christmas story aloud
