Millions are set to feel the financial squeeze this Christmas but are too embarrassed to ask for help, especially from family.
A poll of 2,000 UK adults found 44 per cent will feel the financial pressure this festive season, but three quarters of those are too proud to split the costs.
It comes as the cost-of-living crisis causes anxiety for 58 per cent in the lead up to December, and 44 per cent find the festive season the most stressful time of the year.
But 30 per cent are not planning to ask to share the cost of the celebrations with family and friends this festive season.
Top reasons for this include fears of dampening the festive mood (20 per cent), not knowing how to approach the conversation (18 per cent) and embarrassment or shame (17 per cent), according to the research commissioned by PayPal.
Others feel guilty and worry about family conflict over finances – although 22 per cent would be more likely ask for help if they felt everybody was doing it.
It also emerged that of the parents polled, 30 per cent would never dream of asking their offspring to help fund the festivities.
Although 55 per cent of Gen Z respondents would offer to chip in for the festivities for their parents and grandparents’ as they feel they would be too proud to ask.
Those in London are the most willing to ask for help splitting costs for food and gifts this festive season while those in the North East would be the least willing.
But despite 43 per cent wanting to make grand plans for the festive season, 30 per cent will be making cutbacks this year to help with keeping on top of their festive finances.
Brits are still determined to make Christmas special
This includes not buying unnecessary presents (51 per cent), having an
