Questionable excuses Brits use to avoid Christmas parties revealed – including ‘I need to wash my hair’

THE MOST questionable excuses used for making a quick escape from a bad conversation this Christmas have been revealed.

And Brits have been saying ‘I need to wash my hair’, ‘I left the oven on’ – and ‘my burglar alarm is going off’ just to get away.

A study of 2,000 adults revealed 38 per cent admit to feeling obligated to attend gatherings during the festive period, even if they don’t want to go.

Excuses used include ‘I want to beat the traffic’, ‘my elderly parent can’t be left for long’ and ‘I have a family emergency’.

While ‘I’m having toilet troubles’, ‘I’ve double booked myself’ and ‘I need to clean my granny’s gutters’, also feature on the top 25 list.

It also emerged the top reasons for wanting to escape a Christmas bash include avoiding small talk, feeling awkward and not liking the other people at the party.

The research was commissioned by international mobility provider SIXT UK, to celebrate its broad range of premium cars for hire.

A spokesperson said: “We’ve all been there – stuck at a social gathering when we’d rather be at home in front of the TV.

“Even if it is the most wonderful time of the year, there are some obligations that leave us scrambling for an escape.

“The funny, bizarre and downright brilliant excuses used to flee a festive function have now been revealed.”

The study also found almost four in 10 (39 per cent) adults have lined up an excuse in advance to aid their getaway from a gathering they don’t want to be at, such as asking someone to ring them during the event or mentioning they’re unwell in the lead-up.

But instead of planning devious escape methods, 25 per cent make what’s known as an ‘Irish goodbye’ – sneaking away without making any excuses or even saying goodbye.

It also emerged of those who have made excuses to get away from socialising, 23 per cent reckon they are more likely to do so over the Christmas period, due to the crowds, the extra pressure to attend and the fact it’s simply exhausting.

However, not everyone dislikes partying at Christmas, with a jolly 69 per cent enjoying yuletide mingling, thanks to the festive-themed food and drink, catching up with people not seen in a while and overall, everyone is up for a good time.

The study, commissioned via OnePoll, found Christmas work parties are the most common gatherings to find an excuse to get out of (40 per cent).

With 16 per cent admitting they don’t like socialising with their colleagues but do it for the free food and drinks.

While a guilty 17 per cent would even make their excuses for a gathering with relatives.

When it comes to the ideal number of get-togethers over the festive season, partygoers reveal that three to four occasions hit the spot (30 per cent) but admit they will leave early from half of them (35 per cent).

Brits can share their best excuses used to flee a festive function via the mobility provider’s social channels for the chance to win a microlight flight.

Sixt’s spokesperson added: “If you’re planning to leave early from a Christmas party we understand.

“And a quick escape from any situation could be easier with the SIXT app.”