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Holiday gatherings bring warmth, laughter, and sometimes, more trips to the loo. Between rich meals, flowing drinks, and crowded households, it's no surprise that toilet paper usage surges during the festive season. To gain a clearer understanding of how celebrations impact bathroom habits, we surveyed 1,000 adults in the UK and the US. From the dishes causing the most disruption to unfortunate bathroom incidents, the results reveal the not-so-glamorous side of the holiday season.
Key Findings
- 69% of respondents said that festive foods increase bathroom usage.
- Toilet paper use spikes during holidays, rising from 4 to 5 rolls per week in the UK and from 3 to 4 in the US.
- 60% of Brits said Christmas leads to the most toilet paper use, compared to 28% of Americans.
- 61% of Americans and 58% of Brits experience bathroom anxiety at holiday gatherings.
- Over half of people hold it in at holiday parties, with 56% of Americans and 53% of Britons admitting they avoid going poo while celebrating.
The Holiday Flush Rate
- 69% of respondents said that festive foods increase bathroom usage (26% "definitely" and 43% "maybe a little").
- Toilet paper use spikes during holidays, rising from 4 to 5 rolls per week in the UK and from 3 to 4 in the US.
- Dairy-heavy dishes and alcohol are the most likely to send people to the bathroom.
- 60% of Brits said Christmas leads to the most toilet paper use, compared to 28% of Americans.
Bathroom Anxiety Peaks During Festive Gatherings
- 56% of Americans and 53% of Brits admit to avoiding going poo while celebrating at a holiday party.
- 61% of Americans and 58% of Brits experience bathroom anxiety at holiday gatherings.
- 58% of UK and 55% of US residents stock up on toilet paper before the holidays, and 75% said running out reflects badly on the host.
- 16% of Americans often experience "ghost poops" (i.e., wiping and finding nothing on the toilet paper), and 13% of Brits do.
Methodology
We surveyed 1,000 adults in the UK and the US to understand how the holiday season impacts toilet paper usage. Of the respondents, 32% were Brits, and 68% were Americans. Respondents were asked about their bathroom habits, any discomfort they experienced, and their perceptions of changes during festive periods, such as Christmas. Data was collected in November 2025.
About QS Supplies
QS Supplies is one of the UK's largest independent bathroom retailers, offering a wide range of quality products for every budget and home. Whether you're upgrading your bathroom vanity or installing a stylish shower enclosure, we help keep your space functional and fabulous year-round.
Fair Use Statement
If you'd like to share these findings, you're welcome to do so for noncommercial purposes. Just please include a link back to this page and credit QS Supplies for the original research.
