Festive one-upmanship is alive and well - with more than a quarter of Brits buying extra Christmas lights and decorations to compete with neighbours' displays.
A competitive 28% of Brits admit they've snapped up more dazzling holiday decor to keep up with the Joneses, according to a survey by Compare the Market.
A quarter (23%) conceded defeat, admitting they've felt embarrassed by their own decorations after seeing a neighbour's display.
But while festive rivalry is in full swing, most of us feel that decorating is still a cherished family moment rooted in nostalgia and tradition.
More than three quarters of people (77%) say decorating is a treasured family ritual and two thirds (68%) say their decorations hold personal or sentimental value, often passed down through generations.
More than half (55%) still use decorations they’ve owned for more than ten years, and the same number (55%) take inspiration from the way their family decorated when they were children.
For 85% of Brits, the ritual of decorating makes them feel more Christmassy and 81% agree that putting up the Christmas tree marks the start of their festive countdown.
However, rising costs are influencing how people approach their festive displays. Nearly half of Brits (45%) say the cost of living and energy prices have shaped their decorating decisions this year and almost two in five (39%) say they worry about how much it costs to run Christmas lights.
Despite this, the research also shows that families still want to enjoy a sparkling Christmas.
Of the 2,000 Brits quizzed, almost half (46%) said they'd keep their lights on for longer if they could save on their energy bills.
Shining a spotlight on savvy decorating, Compare the Market reviewed community light-ups and famous displays from across the country to identify standout examples of festive creativity.
David Carter from Nottingham has been crowned as having the UK’s Most Christmassy Home for 2025.
He scooped the accolade thanks to his long-running community display, clever use of low-cost LED lighting, and commitment to growing his decorations gradually over time.
His home now features thousands of lights, layered garlands and detailed front garden scenes that he's been building gradually since 2011 that attracts hundreds of visitors each year.
David says illuminating his house each festive period costs him around £200 in energy bills over five weeks.
He keeps to this budget by being strict on the lights' timers coming on at 4pm and going off at 9pm. Looking for ways to make savings over the years, he's shopped around using Compare the Market to look for energy deals to keep the lights on for less.
David said: "Back in 2011 I started with just a handful of lights and each year the display has grown a little more.
"What started as a bit of neighbourhood fun has turned into something families travel across Nottingham to see.
"When the lights switch on and you see children's faces light up, it makes every minute of planning worth it.
"For many of our neighbours, the switch-on marks the start of Christmas and I’m proud it's become a tradition our community can look forward to every year."
As well as spreading festive cheer, David’s display raises funds for the RSPCA Radcliffe Animal Centre, where he is a trustee.
This year, Compare the Market will match fund donations up to the total amount of £5,407, which David raised in 2024, meaning he could more than double donations this year.
David is encouraging Brits to switch to LED bulbs, use timers, repair older decorations, layer non-light features like garlands and wreaths and review energy tariffs each year to check if you could be paying less.
Tom Lyon, Energy Expert at Compare the Market, said: "As the festivities get into full swing it's all fun, but there's no denying the friendly competition that comes with Keeping up with the Kringles.
"What starts as a few fairy lights can quickly turn into a full-blown winter wonderland that could result in costly energy bills for the most extravagant displays.
"It's a well-timed reminder for households to consider shopping around or switching energy supplier to find a better deal and save money."
