Kids prefer family time to gifts in Christmas

Do try to spend some precious time with your kids this Christmas, as it would make them happier than when they receive expensive gifts.

A new study has suggested that children prefer a traditional Christmas and would rather spend time with their family than receive presents.

Researchers found that 40per cent of children would rather want Santa brought them time with their parents and immediate family, instead of being given their annual treat of stocking fillers.

A quarter of children are also hoping that they will get festive visits from family members that they rarely see during the year, according to the research by holiday company Butlins.

Board games and quizzes are popular among children, with one in five saying they would be happier if their families played traditional games.

“Seeing mum and dad work hard throughout the year, and not being able to spend as much time with them as they’d like, is prompting kids to think about the bigger picture,” the Daily Express quoted Mark Hunter, of Butlins, as saying.

“Of course they are looking forward to Santa’s arrival, but they are also hoping for quality family time - the chance to reconnect and enjoy each other’s company,” he added.

However, 15 per cent of them worry that this will lead to arguments during family gatherings.

And more than one in four children admitted to worrying how their family would afford the expense of Christmas.