Festive stress is common in the UK. Research from Volvo Car UK shows that over half of Brits (53%) want to relax this Christmas. Despite the holiday being a time for joy, many feel stressed about making everything perfect for others (67%). More than a third (36%) also feel guilty for wanting time to themselves before the big day.
Many people find relief in their cars. Over a third (35%) use driving to escape holiday chaos. Wellness expert Richie Norton has shared tips to help people find calm during this busy season.
When Stress Peaks: Christmas Day
The time leading up to Christmas causes much stress. Major causes include shopping for gifts (39%), hosting gatherings (28%), spending money (26%), attending social events (18%), and traveling to see family (16%). Stress peaks on Christmas Day at 12:27 PM, when people manage the timing of Christmas lunch (27%).
Additionally, 10% of people say hearing “All I Want for Christmas Is You” too many times can test their patience. One in five (21%) only experiences 30 minutes or less of true quiet throughout the day. Most people can’t relax until 5:41 PM.
Finding Calm: The Benefits of Driving
More than half of those surveyed (54%) say driving gives them a rare moment of peace during the holidays. They enjoy listening to music or podcasts (35%), taking in the scenery (22%), and feeling focused and in control while driving (15%).
Furthermore, 41% believe electric vehicles provide a quieter driving experience compared to petrol or diesel cars. This matches Volvo’s approach to designing electric vehicles, which focuses on a clean, calm environment with low noise levels.
Not all festive drives are easy. One in five (21%) say traveling home for Christmas is their least favorite trip. Heavy traffic (37%), rushing to leave on time (30%), and children complaining (26%) are main reasons for this dislike.
Helping the Nation Find Balance
To help people handle the holiday rush, Volvo Car UK has worked with wellness expert and Volvo Wellness Ambassador Richie Norton. They provide practical strategies for restoring balance during the festive season.
Richie Norton’s five tips for a calmer Christmas:
1. Breathe before you begin – Before starting your festive to-do list, take a moment to centre yourself and focus solely on your breathing. Breathe in through your nose for four seconds, hold for four, and exhale slowly through your mouth for six seconds. Even just a minute of conscious breathing can reduce stress and reset your mindset.
2. Turn the drive into downtime – Driving is one of the few moments when we can truly be alone. The truth is: most car journeys over Christmas involve kids in the back, traffic, or time pressure – not exactly peaceful. But there are ways to make driving more relaxed: try an audiobook, a calming playlist, or simply silence. If possible, take a solo drive with no set destination – just a peaceful loop to clear your mind. A quieter car, like an electric vehicle, can make this even more restorative.
3. Protect your “micro moments” of peace – Christmas tends to fill up quickly – parties, plans, and people. It’s okay to say no to things that drain your energy. Protecting your “micro moments” of peace might mean leaving your phone in another room, skipping a social event, or carving out an evening to recharge.
4. Move your body, calm your mind – It’s easy to let movement slip during the festive rush, but gentle exercise remains one of the fastest ways to boost your mood and ease tension. A brief walk after lunch, ten minutes of stretching, or even taking the longer route back to the car can refresh both body and mind.
5. Christmas Day – find a moment just for you – On Christmas Day itself, before the day begins – before gifts, guests, or lunch preparations – take 10 minutes for yourself. Step outside with a coffee, go for a walk in the fresh air, or have a bath. A moment of stillness first thing sets the tone for the rest of the day. Take a breath, look around, and allow yourself to enjoy the moment – that’s where the real calm is found and can transform your whole day.
Richie Norton, Wellness Ambassador at Volvo Car UK, said: “Christmas should be a time to pause and connect, but for many of us, it’s becoming a whirlwind. Making time for yourself and looking after your wellbeing is crucial to ensure you have the energy to share with others. Being with loved ones over the festive period is ultimately what it’s all about. However, if it becomes overwhelming, do things that help you gain perspective. Finding a reason to jump in your car and take a moment of ‘downtime’ is a great way to recharge. Electric vehicles make this even easier, offering a peaceful, quiet drive that helps create those moments of calm and restoration.”
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