Before 2020, the phrase ‘Christmas is cancelled’ was something you’ve never dream of hearing – let alone experiencing. We missed out on a lot of special moments last year, so this year, we want to help make this your merriest, brightest and jolliest holiday yet. To find out exactly what we were sorest to lose in Christmas 2020, Schweppes ran a nationwide survey. The result? The Most Missed List: an insight into which yuletide traditions we love the most. Some – like Christmas parties and carol concerts – involved getting out and about in the capital, but many were at-home activities. So without further ado, we present the IN edit of the Most Missed List. #MerrySchweppesmas
Feel like going out? Take a look at the OUT edit.
Who knew that so many of you love watching the story of the birth of Jesus, brought to life generally by children? We’re guessing that parents might be behind this one’s slot in the top ten. After all, watching your little one dressed up as a shepherd, sheep (or, if they go to that school in ‘Love Actually’, a lobster) is pretty adorable.
A no-brainer, right? We’re all kids at heart, and we’ll never grow out of the joy that comes from, ahem, a visit from Santa. But here’s what’s interesting: receiving gifts came in at number eight on the Most Missed List, while giving gifts was right up there at number five. Maybe it’s because we relish the look on our friends’ faces as they unwrap that gift that we just know they’ll love; maybe it’s because receiving gifts involves that ‘how do I conceal my look of disappointment at yet another pair of socks’ face.
Coming in at three on the list is possibly the most volatile part of Christmas Day: the games. A game of ‘Pictionary’ could have you rolling on the carpet with laughter; an overly spicy choice in ‘Cards Against Humanity’ or controversial move in ‘Scrabble’ could end in refusal to share the last of the Celebrations. Either way, they play a major role in our day. Mix it up this year with some fun, London-themed games: there’s a new, London-themed version of the popular train-themed strategy game ‘Ticket to Ride’, the Tube-themed card game, ‘Mind the Gap’, and the detective classic, ‘Scotland Yard’.
Number two on the Most Missed List is devoted to possibly the heartiest, richest meal you’ll eat all year. You and your family might have the perfect dinner sorted, but why not get a little more adventurous when it comes to drinks? The survey found that a quarter of people start their celebrations with a classic G&T, and hey – we get it. G&Ts are delicious. But you could take things to the next level – and that’s where Schweppes comes in. To help lift our spirits (get it?) this Christmas, Schweppes has released a new range of sparkling festive serves. As the big day approaches, try these delicious drinks:
Merry Spritzer
A bright blend of Schweppes Pink Soda, vermouth, fresh cranberries and a thyme sprig.
Rum Bauble
A delicious spiced concoction of Schweppes Ginger Ale, rum and a charred cinnamon stick.
Find the full list of Schweppes cocktail recipes here. [Link to digital feature 2]
No surprises here. Out of everything we missed about Christmas last year, being with our loved ones – our parents, siblings, grandparents and chosen families alike – was the loss that over a third of us (38 percent) felt most strongly. So whether your family insists on dancing to Mariah Carey first thing in the morning or that one friend demands that you all don Santa beards during dinner, let yourself really embrace being together at Christmas this year. You’ve earned it.
Turns out we’ll take the good with the bad at Christmas!
Overeating
Parents refusing your help (then complaining about doing all the work)
Arguing over the TV remote control
Catching up on gossip with old friends
Source: Schweppes Christmas Survey, 2021.
The lights are twinkling, Mariah’s playing in every shop and you can smell those fresh mince pies: finally, Christmas is just around the corner! And this year, we’re helping you make up for everything you missed out on in 2020. Together with Schweppes, we’re bringing you cocktail recipes, tips on awesome festive events in the capital and more.
