Four in 10 adults admit to wasting ‘Twixmas’ binging TV and eating leftovers
Four in 10 adults admit they completely ‘waste’ Twixmas – spending their break doing things like binge watching TV and eating leftovers straight from the fridge. Twixmas is the period between Christmas and New Year, typically 27th to 30th December, and comes from the English word “betwixt”, meaning between.
Uncovering how Brits secretly spend this confusing period, a poll of 2,000 adults revealed some amusing responses. These included eating five meals a day, playing video games for hours on end, birdwatching, and even mowing the lawn.
Of those who feel they waste the period, 27% claimed it’s down to feeling unmotivated after Christmas, 34% due to having no plans at all, and one in three (33%) admitted to simply losing track of time. But just 12% take the opposite approach, trying to be “very productive” throughout those few days.
The research, commissioned by West Midlands Railway (WMR), comes as it’s offering half price train travel across the West Midlands from December 27th to January 5th, encouraging the nation to escape the festive lull.
A spokesperson for the rail provider said: “Twixmas can feel like the week that time forgot – and it’s clear us Brits feel our hard-earned time off during this period passes by too quickly.
“It’s a rare window where the clock seems to stand still – and for many that means gaming in pyjamas or binging box sets.
“This short pause between festivities reminds us how valuable downtime is – whether you spend it relaxing, exploring, or reconnecting with loved ones.”
The research found 49% of those polled said Twixmas is a time they look forward to every year. During the period, 41% admit to watching hours of TV, 27% eat all the leftover sweet treats, and 27% revel in doing absolutely nothing.
While one in 10 (11%) owned up to showering less than they typically would during this period, eight% admitted to only washing once, and 1% claim to not shower at all.
On average, people leave their house just four times during the period, with 11% admitting they rarely remember what day it is between Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve. Meanwhile 39% are happy it’s quiet, but 14% feel either restless or bored.
The nation’s biggest motivations to leave the house during Twixmas are meeting family or friends (54%), walking off festive food (41%), and making the most of the time off (33%).
Once they’re out and about, half (50%) said their most common activity was going for a winter walk, while a third (33%) meet friends for a coffee, and 27% frequent pubs or bars.
However, 34% claimed they would love a spontaneous day out if money wasn’t an issue, and just as many said they’d fancy a short break somewhere new.
A spokesperson for WMR added: “The research demonstrates the nation’s desire to spend time with their loved ones during this period.
“While people enjoy putting their feet up, our research shows some feel restless too.
“Our travel offer gives people the perfect excuse to step out, stretch their legs, and make the most of the week with friends and family before normal life kicks in again.”
