Brits Are Kindest At This Time Of Year. But It Shouldn’t Stop There

Christmas is a time for giving, so it’s perhaps unsurprising that research has revealed Brits are kinder in December compared to the rest of the year.

A poll of 2,000 adults, commissioned by Santander, revealed that more than one in three (35%) Brits say they are more inclined to perform random acts of kindness during the Christmas period.

The most popular acts of kindness included donating food or toys to local charities and food banks (33%), cooking for friends (19%), supporting local businesses (31%), or checking in on lonely or vulnerable neighbours (21%). 

Almost a third (30%) of Brits say they are more likely to donate to charity over Christmas and 31% report volunteering more during December than in any other month of the year. 

Just over one-third (34%) have volunteered over the festive period, including at a soup kitchen, or for charity, community or school events.

When asked what has the greatest impact on how kind people are during the festive period, over a third (39%) attributed the extra cheer to the enjoyment of ‘giving’ – whether that be presents or time – and 38% put it down to time spent reflecting on those less fortunate than themselves. 

More than one in three (34%) reported they are inspired by the idea that “we should be kind to others around Christmas time” as seen in festive films, books and adverts.  

Other acts of kindness reported around Christmas time included carving out more time to see friends and family (31%), cooking for loved ones and neighbours (19%), giving out compliments to strangers (19%) and leaving larger tips for restaurant and bar staff working over the festive period (16%).

Josie Clapham, from Santander UK, said: “A little bit of kindness goes a long way – especially at Christmas. Our research shows just how kind the British public is at this time of year, with more people showing goodwill and looking out for others in their community.”

In contrast, come January, nearly one in five of us believe our compatriots are the least kind, happy or forgiving, according to the poll, and over half (52%) say they never offer out their own time for free across the rest of the year.  

How to be kinder in 2026

If you’re looking for ways to be kinder in January and beyond, here are some ways to do just that:

• Build small, consistent habits into everyday life like holding the doors open for others, smiling at people passing you in the street or offering to help if someone’s struggling with heavy bags. Start each day by asking: what’s one kind thing I can do today? Then, end each day by jotting down one kind thing you did (or witnessed). According to a study from the University of South Australia, new habits begin forming within two months. Researcher Dr Ben Singh said the key to making a habit stick is: enjoying it, adopting it as part of your morning routine, and making time for your new habit within your daily activities (ie. carving out time each week to volunteer).
• Be kinder to yourself – after all, it’s easier to treat others with patience and kindness when you offer those things to yourself first.
• Say “thank you”, compliment others, be courteous on the roads – it doesn’t cost a thing. 
• Practice listening: whether to your colleague, spouse, child or a stranger. Put your phone down, drop all other distractions and really listen to what they have to say.

Here’s to a happy (and kinder) New Year!

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