On Wednesday 26 November, 2025, Mediate UK, a leading family mediation service, unveiled an unexpected holiday trend. For the past eight years, the typically quiet Christmas Day has seen a surge in relationship enquiries between 8:30am and 10:30am.
According to Jess Knauf, Director of Client Strategy at Mediate UK, this trend is surprising as most families are occupied with opening presents and enjoying quality time together during this time. However, a significant number of people seem to be turning to the internet for guidance on their relationship options during the same two-hour window.
Knauf believes that the timing of these enquiries is significant. “Christmas is a time of high expectations,” she explains. “If someone wakes up already questioning their relationship and then receives a thoughtless or empty gift, it can be a breaking point for them. This may lead them to seek information online about their options.”
The spike in Christmas-morning enquiries is not driven by practical or legal considerations, but rather by emotions and the symbolism of the holiday. When a partner presents a generic or last-minute gift, a re-gifted item, or even nothing at all, it can be a powerful reminder of their feelings towards the relationship.
“While a disappointing present does not cause a separation, it can serve as a catalyst for someone to reflect on whether they feel valued, appreciated, and understood in their relationship,” says Knauf.
To avoid a potential Christmas morning relationship wobble, Mediate UK offers tips for thoughtful gift-giving. These include personal and meaningful gestures such as a photo book or framed picture, tickets to a show, a dinner-out voucher, a promise card, a spa pamper session, or a weekend break.
“It’s important to show your partner that you still see them, value them, and are invested in the relationship,” says Knauf.
This holiday trend is significant as Christmas is a time associated with family, connection, and togetherness. For couples facing challenges in their relationship, a thoughtless gift can amplify existing issues and potentially lead to further reflection and action.
And as the data shows, many individuals do not wait until the New Year or their Christmas lunch to contemplate their relationship.