Christmas has lost its religious significance, according to three-quarters of the respondents who took part in a survey commissioned by The Sunday Times.

However, almost as many people said they were bothered by this fact, while 44 per cent were of the opinion that Christmas has become a commercial activity.

The findings of the survey provide a mixed picture of what people think about the meaning of Christmas.

Although Church attendance is on the wane, 67 per cent of respondents say they intended to attend Christmas Mass. In contrast, the 2005 census found that regular church attendance had plummeted to 51 per cent from 62 per cent 10 years earlier, which seems to suggest that Christmas Mass still retains a special attraction for Catholics.

Respondents were also asked about their gift-buying habits, with most admitting they would spend the same amount as last year on presents for family and friends.

On the other hand, 33 per cent admitted they spent less while 22 per cent said they spent more than last year. Valletta emerged as the place where people buy the majority of gifts.

On a lighter note the survey asked people who from the 69 MPs they would trust to babysit their children – the majority said they would trust none.

The Sunday Times Christmas survey was conducted by Misco International Ltd.