A perfect Christmas is no easy feat (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
From keeping glasses topped up, to making sure everyone has a chair around the dinner table, Christmas Day can be fraught with issues.
And now, the nation has spoken and officially ranked the hardest things to master on the biggest day of the year.
Claiming the top spot was working out what to buy awkward family members, closely followed by wrapping awkward shaped objects, and getting the timings of Christmas dinner spot-on.
Special mention goes to the 11% who said making sprouts taste nice was the biggest festive challenge, and the 12% who struggled the most with faking enthusiasm for gifts. We’ve all been there.
Food woes featured several times on the list, with making sure the turkey isn’t too dry, making good gravy, and producing perfect roasties all getting mentioned.
It seems Brits also struggle with spending time with certain family members, as people said it was hard not to put their foot in it with the in-laws and to not appear bored when talking to relatives.
Interestingly, social media has infiltrated Christmas Day too. Concerns such as making the tree and dinner table Instagrammable were also highlighted.
The research, commissioned by Tesco, is part of their #Standforjoy campaign, and in response to their findings, the supermarket has now appointed a panel of advisors to help the nation’s Christmas run smoothly.
The tongue-in-cheek panel features roles including ‘Chief Sip’ and ‘Master of Mains.’
The toughest things to master at Christmas
Wrapping awkward shaped objects
Getting the timings of the Christmas dinner spot-on
Buying great presents
Remembering all groceries that need to be bought
Wrapping presents well
The process of cooking Christmas dinner
Untangling Christmas lights
Doing the big food shop
Having everything organised on time
Not stressing when things go wrong
Sticking to a present budget
Making the right amount of food
Faking enthusiasm for a gift you don’t like
Making sure I looked pleased, whatever gift I am given
Sticking to my food and drink budget
Making a turkey that’s not too dry
Making crispy roast potatoes
Remembering to send cards to everyone
Finding a place to hide presents
Making good gravy
Keeping surprises from loved ones
Making sure I buy enough wrapping paper and tape
Not appearing bored when talking to relatives
Making conversation with everyone
Serving a party food spread that everyone will like
Deciding what to cook for Christmas meals
Decorating the tree tastefully
Keeping dinner table conversation on the right track
Knowing where I can volunteer to support a charity or food bank over the festive season
Getting the kids to stay in bed/go to sleep on Christmas Eve
Having enough drinks (wine, champagne, cocktails etc.) supplies
Having a drinks selection that caters to everyone’s tastes
Catering to gluten free guests/ guests with other dietary requirements
Using up all of the leftovers
Buying enough batteries for all the new toys
Remembering everyone’s dietary requirements
Finding delicious meat-free alternatives
Making Brussels sprouts taste nice
Keeping the Christmas tree alive
Stopping the dog chewing or opening all the presents
Making my Christmas tree look ‘Instagrammable’
Serving food that looks ‘Instagrammable’ / social media ready
Buying the right drinks to pair with the dishes I am cooking
Sitting the right guests next to each other at dinner
Decorating the table for dinner
Not putting my foot in it with the in-laws
Having a good playlist for my Christmas party
Finding out where I can donate food/gifts to charity
Making a Christmas pudding
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The biggest challenges including faking enthusiasm for gifts and making sprouts taste nice.
