New research explores the festive habits and traditions that matter most to Irish households, and why returning plastic bottles and cans is one Christmas ritual worth doing the right way.
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- 86% of Irish adults say it’s important to do Christmas the “right way”, with long-standing traditions shaping how households celebrate.
- Two-thirds (65%) of households admit to arguments around the Christmas dinner table, with the tidy-up being the biggest trigger (26%).
- Three-quarters (75%) of families have festive debates each year about the “right way” to do things, from decorations to presents.
- One in five people (20%) admit they have avoided spending Christmas with their in-laws because they “do things differently”.
- 65% say stuffing is essential with turkey, and 64% insist ham must be on the Christmas table.
- 73% are actively trying to make their Christmas more sustainable this year.
New research from Re-turn, operator of Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme, reveals how important festive rituals are to Irish households, with 86% saying Christmas must be done the “right way” and three-quarters (75%) debating it every year. Re-turn is encouraging families to bring that same festive care to one simple habit this Christmas: returning plastic bottles and cans the “right way” to help keep valuable materials in the circular economy. This collective effort is already making a difference, with more than 4,500 community initiatives across Ireland benefiting from the Scheme and demonstrating the positive impact household recycling can deliver.
Christmas in Ireland comes with long-standing rituals and a deep attachment to doing things the “right way”. The research shows that 82% of households have Christmas traditions unique to them, many passed down through generations. More than half (57%) of these began in childhood, while 19% say they’ve blended their own traditions with a partners to create something new.
ContentsFestive Friction
Even the most cherished traditions aren’t always enough to keep the peace. The research reveals that two-thirds (65%) of Irish households experience arguments around the Christmas dinner table, with tidying up emerging as the biggest trigger (26%). Timing the meal is another source of tension (13%), while disagreements also arise over cracker pulls (7%), seating plans (6%), and someone taking too much stuffing (6%).
When it comes to who starts the arguments, siblings are most likely (12%), followed by children (10%) and partners (9%). Beyond the table, Christmas Day rows are most often prompted by cleaning (15%) or cooking (11%), proving that even the most magical day of the year comes with its fair share of festive friction.
Festive Debates, Traditions and Christmas ‘Crimes’
The research shows that three-quarters (75%) of households debate the “right way” to do Christmas each year, with familiar talking points resurfacing every year. A third (32%) say choosing what to watch on TV sparks discussion, while a quarter (25%) disagree about when to open presents.
For some households, the differences run deeper. One in five people (20%) admit they have avoided spending Christmas with their in-laws because they “do things differently,” while another 17% say they have secretly wished they could.
Then there are the so-called “Christmas crimes”. Putting decorations up before 1 December tops the list at 27%, followed closely by re-gifting presents (25%), and the battle against lumpy gravy (22%). And when it comes to the dinner table, 65% say turkey must include stuffing, and 64% insist ham belongs on the plate. These firmly held festive preferences paint a vivid picture of how passionately Irish households feel about festive rituals.
Recycling Routines and a More Sustainable Christmas
While Christmas is full of lively debates, recycling is one area where people feel more confident. The research shows that 93% of adults believe they recycle correctly over the festive period. A third (33%) say the most frequent error is putting food waste into the recycling bin, while others point to unrinsed bottles (28%) or confusion around wrapping paper (26%). These slip-ups occur alongside the rise of the festive “recycling police,” with 44% of respondents saying they monitor their household’s recycling.
Encouragingly, nearly three-quarters (73%) of adults say they’re trying to make their Christmas more sustainable this year, whether by reducing waste, changing habits or being more mindful about how and what they recycle. It shows a growing willingness to rethink old traditions and embrace new ones that better match how Irish households want to live today.
Comment from Re-turn
Ciaran Foley, CEO, Re-turn, said: “It is clear how much care goes into getting Christmas right in homes across the country. This year, we are encouraging families to take that same spirit of care and apply it to returning their plastic bottles and cans. By choosing a Reverse Vending Machine, households help keep valuable materials in the circular economy and start the new year with a positive habit that benefits Ireland’s future.”
Comment from campaign ambassadors
Campaign ambassadors Tadhg & Derry Fleming said: “We’re always debating the ‘right way’ to do Christmas, and we still don’t agree on half of it! But one thing we can agree on is returning your plastic bottles and cans. It’s good for the planet — and it keeps you on Santa’s nice list. Go on… Re-turn it Right!”
Re-turning is a small action that makes a big impact and helps Ireland reach its recycling goals. When you keep plastic bottles and cans separate and bring them to an RVM, more drinks containers can be recycled again and again.
So, this Christmas – Re-turn It Right. Find your nearest RVM and Return Point location here.