Christmas is considered to be one of the busiest and most stressful times of the year. There are presents to be bought; the house needs a festive clean-up and decoration; a traditional Christmas dinner needs purchasing, cooking and serving to the whole family; and on top of all of this, there are the nagging financial worries on how to pay for the perfect Christmas.

Despite the tiredness, family tension and financial pressure that this brings, nearly half (48per cent) of British men think women exaggerate the stressfulness of Christmas, according to a study.

Interestingly, despite the 270 hours women spend preparing for Christmas, over a third (39 per cent) of men say that they would do a better job of hosting Christmas Day than their partners, and wouldn’t get as stressed as they do.

These findings have been revealed in a study just out by Travelodge, a private company operating in the hotels and hospitality industry throughout the UK.

The company surveyed 2,500 adults across the UK to obtain their views on preparing for Christmas.

A fifth of women said if it gets too much on Christmas Day they will use the excuse of having a headache so that they can have a sneaky catnap

Key findings from the study revealed that 87 per cent of women claim men are clueless to how much hard work, patience and determination it takes in trying to create a perfect Christmas for loved ones.

Six out of 10 (61 per cent) British women say that the pressure of creating the perfect Christmas and spreading goodwill among family and friends makes this the most stressful time of the year. On average women spend 270 hours, which equates to over 11 days, preparing for Christmas.

Nearly half (48 per cent) of women do not trust their partners to execute essential Christmas tasks, and say that in the long run it’s much easier if they just do it themselves – as they know it will be done correctly first time.

Detailed on the right is a breakdown on the total woman hours it takes to prepare for the perfect Christmas.

The study also revealed that over the next five days, 49 per cent of women across the UK will be suffering from high levels of ‘Hostess Stressmas’ as they worry that they will not be perceived to be a domestic goddess by their family and friends, and furthermore will be criticised for their bad hosting skills.

Women’s biggest seven Stressmass concerns are keeping guests entertained over the festive season; guests thinking the house is dirty; menu planning and cooking additional meals while guests stay over; and keeping the conversation going. Other concerns are being embarrassed by partner and children; the state of the spare room; and guests hearing the partner snoring.

So keen are women to impress their guests over the festive season that they will burn the candle at both ends, and survive on just five hours of sleep in order to create the perfect Christmas.

As a result of lack of sleep and the additional stress of Christmas, a third (35 per cent) of women will experience a festive scary nightmare this week.

The most common nightmare is being chased by a gigantic turkey around the house. The second most popular is being naked at the family Christmas meal. Passionately kissing Santa is the third most common festive nightmare.

Other festive nightmares are eating too much food and putting on a huge amount of weight; having a showdown with the mother-in-law; being attacked by a Christmas tree and burning the Christmas meal.

Less frequent nightmares would probably be being surrounded by elves; presents getting lost in the post and the cooker breaking down on Christmas morning.

The research also revealed that on Christmas Eve, a fifth of women, like Santa, will work into the small hours assembling new toys, making up stockings and conducting last-minute preparations for the perfect Christmas for their family.

The poll also shows that the mother-in-law is the most dreaded Christmas guest, followed by mum, as both women ‘know best’ and will interfere with the day’s planned proceedings. Sixty-eight per cent of women said it really annoys them when their mother-in-law or mother tries to take over on Christmas day.

Thirty-one per cent of respondents said it makes them feel inadequate and a poor hostess.

A fifth (21 per cent) of women said if it gets too much on Christmas Day they will use the excuse of having a headache so that they can have a sneaky catnap.

Relationship psychologist Corinne Sweet said: “It’s not only the turkey that gets overheated at Christmas. Family flare-ups are inevitable, especially as people who seldom see one another are suddenly thrown together 24/7.

Stressmas can be avoided. Prepare yourself psychologically by lowering your expectations. Christmas can’t be perfect.

“Take time out every time you feel riled. Having a nap can work wonders, as people are especially niggly on not much sleep. Make space for yourself this Christmas (even a walk around the block can help), set boundaries with relatives and kids, and create some quiet ‘me time’ to reflect on what the spirit of Christmas is really all about.”

Further research findings revealed that a fifth (18 per cent) of women have suggested their guests book into a nearby hotel instead of staying with them as planned, so that both parties can obtain some much-needed space.

A quarter (27 per cent) of women stated they enjoy Christmas more when guests stay for the day and do not sleep over. Another quarter (25 per cent) of women said they don’t like having guests stay over because they can’t watch their favourite TV programmes.

Top tips to avoid Stressmas over the festive season

• Plan ahead, think of what might happen on the day and predict what problems may arise and develop solutions to avoid them happening.

• Give your guests a choice, don’t make people do things they don’t want to.

• Look for triggers that usually cause arguments and avoid them at all costs.

• Share responsibility, allow others to help on the day and make them feel involved – especially the children.

• If an argument does break out, make the people involved aware of how it affects the rest of the family.

• The most important thing is to relax and have fun, make your expectations realistic, and appreciate the time spent together with your family.

Task	Hours
Researching and shopping	226
Wrapping presents	12
Cleaning the house	11
Decorating the house	4
Cooking Christmas dinner	5
Entertaining guests	8
Tidying up after Christmas	4
Total	270 hours