A quarter of adults won’t be spending this Christmas with their preferred group

Research of 2,000 adults who celebrate the season revealed 34 per cent have to make compromises around who they spend the big day with each year.

As one in five are lined up to spend it mixing ‘the in-laws’ as well as their own family and five per cent will be with their partner’s parents exclusively.

Enjoying the Christmas meal and opening presents together topped the list of things people get FOMO over when separated from their family or friends during the festive period. As 32 per cent agree they’ll have to seem as if they are loving every second when celebrating Christmas away from home - even if they aren’t.

This year, 57 per cent won’t be spending the big day in their ideal way, making compromises due to varying family circumstances - or because the loved ones they’d usually spend it with are on holiday.

The research was commissioned by Tesco Mobile, which has created a new limited-edition seat-shaped mobile phone holder to help those who can’t be there join the lunchtime conversation. The miniature chair props up a person’s device, allowing them to video call those who are not there and be part of the festivities.

Laura Joseph from the brand said: “Christmas is all about connection, but when you can’t be together in person, staying in touch becomes even more important. We’re here to make sure no one feels far away.

“Whether it’s a call across the country or a video chat from the other side of the world, families should feel close, even at a distance.”

Other reasons people won’t spend Christmas in their ideal way included trying to split time between different sides of the family (10 per cent) or family circumstances changing (35 per cent). And while 40 per cent of those who have to make compromises are ‘happy to adapt’, 29 per cent confessed they will miss their usual traditions.

As 42 per cent said if distance wasn’t an issue, they would have more family members present on December 25th this year. With phone calls (44 per cent), text messages (40 per cent) and video calls (29 per cent) topping the ways to stay in touch with those who can’t be there in person on the big day.

And for those who make Christmas calls or video calls, more than a third (34 per cent) do so after they’ve eaten their festive meal, followed by during the evening while relaxing (24 per cent) and before opening presents (21 per cent).

What’s more, 13 per cent of respondents said they will be dialling someone in to ‘join’ the Christmas dinner virtually. Those people are most likely to call throughout the day include siblings (35 per cent), extended family (28 per cent) and parents (26 per cent) according to the OnePoll.com figures.

Laura Joseph for Tesco Mobile, which is offering a limited run of ‘Seat at the Table’ phone holders available through their website between the 9th and 15th December added: “The mini chair is a simple way to give your phone a seat at the table so the person you’re missing still feels part of the day. Nothing beats being together, but when that’s not possible, this is the next best thing.”