Does the perfect Christmas EXIST?

Social media portrays the ideal image of the big day. But how many of us actually manage to achieve festive perfection? Woman finds out

- FRANCES LEATE

These days, so many of us are trying to keep up with the hundreds of people we connect with on social media. And whether it's that flawless snap in front of an exquisitely lit tree, the loved-up couple making footprints in fresh snow or the cute pet popping their head out of a gift-wrapped box, there's never a time when showing off on socials is more apparent than at this time of year. But the truth is, behind that incredible Instagram shot, is someone probably just as stressed as you are trying to portray the 'perfect Christmas'. We investigate...

'IT'S TOO MUCH PRESSURE!'

Clare O'Reilly, 44, lives in Plymouth with her husband Jon, 51, and their children Eddie, 19, Sammy, 15, and Annie, 12.

As if Christmas wasn't stressful enough, the pressures of social media in the last decade have made it a nightmare. Brits spend around seven hours online on Christmas Day, and while some of that is video-calling loved ones, I'll bet the majority of it is spent looking at someone else's 'perfect' day. I'm considering a digital detox this December, so before I do, I decide to see just how hard it is to have an 'Instagrammable' Christmas.

The family photo