One fourth of those over 55 'less happy' at Christmas
Majority will be enjoying Christmas lunch at home with family and friends
![](http://content.maltatoday.com.mt/ui/images/photos/christmas.png)
Bereavement and loneliness are the greatest causes of festive unhappiness.
Christmas should be the happiest time of year, but judging by the results of a MaltaToday survey this is not the case for thousands of people.
18.5% feel sadder during the Christmas period, up from 15% who expressed the same sentiment a year ago. Moreover the survey shows 25% of over-55 year olds feeling less happy during the festivities, compared to just 12% of under-34 year olds.
The survey shows that the major causes of unhappiness are memories of lost loved ones and bereavement, loneliness, family break ups and poverty.
On the other hand 59% (down from 63% last year) feel happier during the festive period. The major contributor to happiness is spending time with family, followed by the religious aspect and the festive atmosphere; many referring to decorations, carols and other Christmas traditions. 7% referred to the intangible “joy of Christmas” which makes them happier.
Only 2% gave parties and entertainment as the reason why they feel happier.
The survey also shows that not everyone will be celebrating Christmas with one’s family. 5% will be alone at lunchtime in Christmas. 26% of those who will be alone on Christmas day say that Christmas makes them happier while 40% of this category feels less happy.
The majority (78%) will be having lunch with their family either at home or as guests in a relative’s home. 4% will be guests at friends while 9.1% will be celebrating with their families or friends in a restaurant (the same as last year).