Christmas 2025 is no longer about just one big day — it’s about the great Christmas shuffle. With families eager to see everyone they love, new research from EE reveals that this year, more than half of Brits (54%) will host friends and family, while nearly half (47%) will spend time as guests — and almost one in three (27%) plan to do both.
It’s a true reflection of the modern festive juggle, as households across the UK balance multiple dinners, cross-country drives, and plenty of tech-powered connection.
How Tech Is Powering a Modern Christmas
According to a survey conducted by OnePoll on behalf of EE, 88% of Brits believe Christmas is about connection rather than gifts, and 74% say technology helps them feel closer to loved ones during the festive season.
From streaming classic films to testing out new games consoles, Britons are relying on EE’s award-winning network to stay seamlessly connected throughout the celebrations.
“Hosting & Guesting”: EE’s First Christmas Campaign
To capture this evolving festive spirit, EE has launched its debut Christmas campaign — “Hosting & Guesting” — created by Saatchi & Saatchi. The heartwarming film spotlights families “doing the double”: hosting one meal, dashing across town, and guesting at another — all in the name of love (and a little logistical chaos).
The campaign reflects EE’s unique ability to keep the UK connected both inside and outside the home, ensuring that every celebration runs smoothly.
What the Data Says About the Great Christmas Shuffle
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The travel rush: Between 20–24 December, Active Intelligence data shows festive journeys peaking on major routes like the M25, M1, and M6. The biggest mobile activity surges come from South Hampshire, Pembrokeshire, and the Derbyshire Dales, proving festive connection stretches far beyond city limits.
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The apps of Christmas: YouTube tops the list for mobile data usage during Christmas, followed by WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook — as families share messages, photos, and videos across the country.
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Global connection: On Christmas Day, top destinations for calls and texts include Ireland and Australia, highlighting how British families are keeping traditions alive across time zones.
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Home connection: EE broadband traffic jumps 17% during Christmas week, with peak data volume up 26.6% as households stream, game, and use smart devices — the ultimate test of any host’s Wi-Fi.
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Switching off (and logging on): Video conferencing traffic drops sharply as the nation signs off from work, while gaming traffic rises 30%, staying high until 29 December.
“Doing the Double” Becomes a British Tradition
Kelly Engstrom, Brand and Marketing Communications Director at EE, said:
“We’re proud to share our first Christmas campaign. Hosting, guesting, and ‘doing the double’ have become modern British traditions. With so many using technology to stream films, game together, and share festive moments, EE’s network ensures everything runs smoothly.”
So whether you’re hosting a dinner, road-tripping between family homes, or catching up via FaceTime with relatives in Sydney — EE is keeping you connected this Christmas.
Discover more Christmas deals and festive connectivity tips at ee.co.uk/christmas-deals.
