Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/618165
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 20 DECEMBER 2015 15 MaltaToday Survey MaltaToday Survey One fourth of 55-year-olds 'less happy' on Christmas JAMES DEBONO BEREAVEMENT and loneliness are the greatest causes of festive unhappiness. Christmas should be the happiest time of year, but judging by the results of a MaltaToday survey this is not the case for thousands of people. 18.5% feel sadder during the Christmas period, up from 15% who expressed the same sentiment a year ago. Moreover the survey shows 25% of over-55 year olds feeling less happy during the festivi- ties, compared to just 12% of under-34 year olds. The survey shows that the major caus- es of unhappiness are memories of lost loved ones and bereavement, loneliness, family break ups and poverty. On the other hand 59% (down from 63% last year) feel happier during the festive period. The major contributor to happiness is spending time with family, followed by the religious aspect and the festive atmosphere; many referring to decorations, carols and other Christmas traditions. 7% referred to the intangible "joy of Christmas" which makes them happier. Only 2% gave parties and entertain- ment as the reason why they feel hap- pier. The survey also shows that not every- one will be celebrating Christmas with one's family. 5% will be alone at lunch- time in Christmas. 26% of those who will be alone on Christmas day say that Christmas makes them happier while 40% of this category feels less happy. The majority (78%) will be having lunch with their family either at home or as guests in a relative's home. 4% will be guests at friends while 9.1% will be cel- ebrating with their families or friends in a restaurant (the same as last year). Does Christmas make you happier or sad? 58.7% Happier 22.7% The same 18.5% More sad What makes you happier? What makes you sadder? (% of people who feel happier) (% of people who feel more sad) % % Family 48.1 Memories of dead relatives 49.3 Religion/Christ 11.6 Loneliness 22.6 Entertainment 2.4 Family break-up 9.2 Festivities/decoration 18.7 Can't afford expenses 9.1 Joy of Christmas 7.2 I hate Christmas 5.1 Others 12 Others 4.7 Where wil you be having Christmas lunch? (%) 2015 2014 Alone 5 5.5 At home with immediate family 28.8 29.1 At home with guests 10.4 11.4 Invited by relatives 38.8 36.5 Invited by friends 3.6 4.4 Hotel/restaurant 9.1 8.7 I'm working 4 3.3 I'll be abroad 1.3 1.3