Festive fibs! Brits reveal bizarre excuses used to escape a social obligation this Christmas

With the festive season in full swing, social gatherings are plenty, but it's not all joy and merriment, new research from SIXT UK reveals. Almost 2 in 5 (38%) Brits feel obligated to attend Christmas get-togethers, even if they would rather not go. And those who make their early exit have revealed the most questionable excuses used – and ‘I need to wash my hair, ‘my home is flooded’ and ‘I need to clean my granny’s gutters’ are among the worst fibs.

Turns out, socialising during the festive season is not always the most wonderful time of the year, as a quarter (23%) reveal they are more likely to find an excuse to leave a party early over the Christmas period than any other time. Despite the love of Christmas music (38%), festive-themed food and drink (48%) and that everyone is up for a jolly good time (52%), some partygoers find the crowds (58%), high prices (48%) and the fact it’s simply exhausting (49%) reasons to flee.

While some craft creative excuses, others leave early without even saying goodbye. Those aged 18 – 24 years old (35%) are the top culprits when it comes to leaving a Christmas bash without telling anyone, otherwise known as a ‘French exit’. But if you’re over 65 years old (14%), you’re not a fan of secretly sneaking away.