HIGH WYCOMBE, UK – A recent survey from Costa Coffee revealed nearly half of Brits (43%) look to use Christmas as an opportunity to see friends we haven’t seen for a while, but almost a third (30%) end up cancelling our social plans at the last minute. The biggest reason is a lack of time. With 40% of people filling their diaries to balance work and family commitments whilst also keeping on top of life admin, calendars become too hectic to take time out to meet that friend for a long overdue Christmas catch-up.
And while it might be necessary in the moment, a third of Brits (33%) regret missing out on those precious moments with loved ones.
That’s why Costa Coffee is determined to facilitate those all-important Christmas catch-ups and help the nation reconnect with their loved ones. The Costa Christmas catch-up will encompass the magic of Christmas with a comfortable space full of festive cheer, and a seasonal menu.
It turns out most Brits (70%) want to dedicate a whole hour to having a meaningful face to face catch-up, with a quarter asking for no mobile phone to be present to enable a quality catch-up. Of the topics that make a good catch-up, family news (60%) and relationship updates (44%) came out on top.
While Brits are a nation of texters and ‘WhatsAppers’ (66%) to help stay connected to their loved ones, it’s the spontaneous face to face catch-ups that fill us with joy and nostalgia. In fact, over a third (33%) of those surveyed agree they feel a sense of warmth and excitement after a face-to-face catch-up, leaving them with a renewed sense of connection after catching up, something which lacks via messages, voice notes and video calls.
Psychologist Dr Simon Moore has commented on the findings: “While technology undoubtedly helps us stay connected to our loved ones on a regular basis, it can never replace the precious face to face catch-ups. As humans, we give undue weighting and meaning to visual and physical interactions with people as we can read their emotions, and body language and hear their tone of voice, all of which enrich our interactions. A face to face catch-up with loved ones also gives us the chance to take a break from our busy lives and reconnect on a more humane level and there really isn’t a better time for this than Christmas, as a time of reflection.”
Surroundings and environment can make a real difference to those spontaneous catch-ups. Costa Coffee’s research proves that Brits are a nation that enjoys getting out of the house and catching up with loved ones in locations like coffee shops (45%), and pubs (47%). What’s more, nice touches such as comfortable seating (39%), background festive music (39%) and festive decorations (33%) are what make Christmas catch-ups all the more special.
This festive season, Costa Coffee is encouraging to take time out of our busy lives to meet up with those we haven’t seen in a while and come together for that special Christmas catch-up.
A spokesperson for Costa Coffee said: “Whether you’re reuniting with an old school friend, a colleague, or a family member, Costa Coffee is encouraging you to catch-up this Christmas over a Costa seasonal treat. We love Christmas, and our stores make the perfect setting for that all important meet up. It’s such a joy to see these connections happen in our stores, and we’re thrilled to help create a space for those special festive moments.”
Costa Coffee is offering coffee lovers the chance to win the “Ultimate Costa Christmas Catch-Up Card,”** which grants them 60 complimentary drinks, equating to 30 catch-ups to enjoy!
The prize draw, available for Costa Club members via the app, will run up to Wednesday 8th December, with 10 Ultimate Costa Christmas Catch-Up Cards given away each week. Additionally, thousands of runner-up prizes will be awarded, with 200 ‘catch-ups’ up for grabs each week— offering Costa Club members two free drinks loaded directly onto their app.
To take part in this draw, customers must access the prize draw exclusively through the Costa Club app. All members need to do is simply enter their details for a chance to win the Ultimate Costa Christmas Catch-Up Card or one of the many runner-up prizes.
