One in ten Irish men will still be scrambling to buy Christmas presents on Christmas Eve, according to new research from An Post, highlighting a stark contrast in festive preparation habits between men and women.
The nationwide survey found that six in ten women have Christmas completely organised by November 30, reinforcing the idea that women tend to plan earlier for the festive season. In contrast, a significant minority of men are leaving gift-buying to the very last minute.
Beyond shopping habits, the research paints a vivid picture of the traditions Irish households continue to cherish at Christmas.
Food remains at the heart of Christmas Day, with 73% of adults naming roast potatoes as an essential, followed closely by stuffing (70%), turkey (67%) and gravy (65%). The long-running Brussels sprouts debate also continues, with 61% insisting sprouts are a must-have, while 39% would happily leave them off the plate. Love for sprouts is strongest in Leitrim (82%) and Kilkenny (81%), but much weaker in Kildare (38%).
When it comes to Santa Claus, tradition is alive and well. 58% of people plan to leave out a glass of milk, while 56% will provide carrots for the reindeer. Nearly half (48%) will also add biscuits, and 31% say mince pies remain Santa’s treat of choice.
Christmas cards continue to hold pride of place in Irish homes, with 54% displaying them on their fireplaces, 23% in hallways, and 13% hanging them on Christmas trees. The findings form part of An Post’s ‘Send Love’ campaign, which encourages people to connect through handwritten cards.
While only 5% of adults list a Christmas swim as a family tradition, Galway leads the way, with 13% of residents taking the festive plunge. Meanwhile, spending time with loved ones ranked as the most important Christmas tradition overall, cited by 35% of respondents.
Festive fashion also features, particularly among women, with 41% planning to buy new pyjamas to relax in over the Christmas break.
Musically, The Pogues’ “Fairytale of New York” remains Ireland’s favourite Christmas song, chosen by 37% of adults, followed by Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas Is You (13%) and Wham!’s Last Christmas (10%).
Speaking about the findings, An Post Marketing Director Julie Gill said: “Christmas reminds us that traditions aren’t just things we do — they’re the moments we look forward to all year. They turn ordinary days into magic, just like the moments when you send and receive a Christmas card.”
She added: “With more than three million cards and 500,000 parcels being delivered in Ireland every day until Christmas Eve, An Post is reminding everyone of the importance of sending love this festive season.”
An Post has also confirmed final posting dates to guarantee Christmas delivery. December 16 is the last date for parcels within Ireland and to the UK. Cards to Europe must be posted by December 18, while final posting dates are December 21 for Northern Ireland and December 22 for the Republic of Ireland.
