A third of Brits say washing-up on Christmas Day is their least favourite chore

Washing up after Christmas dinner, wrapping presents – and detangling lights – are among the most disliked festive chores, according to research. A study of 4,000 adults found 32 percent named the mammoth task of cleaning the dishes on Christmas Day as the worst, closely followed by cleaning up after guests (25 percent).

Others loathe having to write cards, buy presents, and put up decorations. And when it comes to wrapping presents, around half of adults simply see it as a chore.

The study was commissioned by Pepsi MAX, which has created five free-of-charge gift-wrapping stations across the country, with a professional gift-wrapper on hand.

Spokesman Dagmar Emery said: “The holiday season in the UK is a time for celebration, laughter, and memorable moments.

“We should be spending time with friends, family, and basking in the festive spirit – but there’s always a list of things to get done before the fun begins.”

The study also found that, of those who don’t enjoy wrapping presents, 62 percent get fed up with the time it takes. And 55 percent admitted they simply do not have any wrapping skills – with this rising to 60 percent of millennials, and 69 percent of Gen Z.

To keep the time spent wrapping to a minimum, 60 percent will get all of their wrapping out of the way in one go, rather than spreading it out across the build-up to the festive season.

But while 41 percent of women would like to be able to offload their Christmas wrapping to someone else, this rises to 62 percent of men – opting for someone else to take care of the fuss, according to the survey, carried out via OnePoll.

Despite the reluctance to do the deed, 65 percent believe a well-wrapped gift makes for a more thoughtful present.

Dagmar Emery added: “In 2023, with the newly launched Christmas is Better with Pepsi MAX campaign, we’re creating experiences that save time, stress, and energy, allowing for a better holiday season – including offering respite from one of the least enjoyable chores, gift wrapping.

“Providing a personalised experience, that adds sentimentality and ease to the gift-giving process, we’re ensuring that your Christmas is not just merry, but also better.”