Just over half of UK adults feel it's "even more important" for them to send Christmas gifts to loved ones this year because many don't expect to visit their families due to the pandemic. 

The study, conducted by Savanta ComRes also highlighted that 43 percent of UK adults are planning to spend Christmas without seeing their families in person this year due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The research was commissioned by international relief charity Samaritan's Purse who run Operation Christmas Child.

Director of Operation Christmas Child, Nick Cole said: "This year has been dominated by isolation, separation and for many anxiety. This Christmas, although it seems families will not be able to meet as they would normally, we can still show care for those we love in the act of gift giving."

Seventy nine percent of respondents to the Savanta ComRes survey said they also believe that all children should receive at least one present at Christmas regardless of their circumstances.

Operation Christmas Child is still going ahead this year despite Covid restrictions. The project has been collecting and delivering shoebox gifts-filled with school stationary, toys and hygiene items worldwide for over twenty years to children who wouldn't normally receive a gift.

"Giving a gift can seem like a simple and nonconsequential decision, but for those who are living in difficult circumstances, it can be a reminder that God loves them and they are not alone. That they have not been forgotten and joy is possible, even when the situation around them feels oppressive or hopeless," Cole added.
 
More information about packing a Christmas shoebox can be found at www.samaritans-purse.org.uk/occ