FAMILIES in Worcestershire are looking forward to spending time with their loved ones this Christmas, according to a survey by YouGov.

In the Midlands 88 percent of people said being with family was important to them having a happy Christmas and 80 percent rated avoiding arguments as central to the day being an enjoyable one.

The survey of more than 300 people aged 16 and over also showed people seem to prioritise their closest family members during the festive season, with less than two thirds of those asked rating spending time with extended family as important.

In fact, of the options listed, the only thing less important than spending time with extended family was receiving the right gifts with a quarter of people saying this was important for a happy Christmas.

And when it comes to gifts, it seems giving is better than receiving, as 77 percent of people in the Midlands said getting the right gifts for others was fairly or very important for a happy Christmas.

But many worried about the cost with 35 percent saying this was their main worry.

Sadly 15 percent were also worried about feeling lonely this festive season.

Relate Worcestershire offered advice to those with concerns and said information, advice and counselling for all relationships, including family counselling was available by calling 01905 28051 or visiting relate-worcestershire.org.