Stressed-out Britons hit net for Xmas shopping

The mad rush? Fighting for a parking space? Swearing until your throat gets sore? That's right, it's time for Christmas shopping again!

It can be a tormenting experience when what seems like the entire British populous converge on all of the major cities and shopping centres, but this year it seems like the internet is the weapon of choice for shopper thanks to its ease - and abundance of fantastic deals that can be found".

People in the UK are using the internet in order to reduce the tension of high street shopping over the Christmas period, new research claims.

According to Abbey, 45 per cent of people complain about the stress of Christmas whether it be through organising family get-togethers or filling stockings for loved ones.

It added that the most stressed-out demographic are the 25 to 34-year-olds, but that this group is also the most likely to hit the internet shops.

Roger Lovering, managing director of Abbey Credit Cards, commented that companies are now doing their best to accommodate consumers fed up with the busy season.

"Reducing tension is paramount and consequently we're seeing retailers such as supermarkets making it easier to buy everything from puddings to presents under one roof or website," he said.

Shoppers may not welcome the fact that there are 14 shopping days left until Christmas.