So, just how much has Christmas in Britain changed in 25 years?

Sponsored by first direct

This year marks 25 years since first direct was set up. At least one thing hasn't changed since then: first direct have been putting customers first every day of the year since 1989.

But a lot of other things have changed in the last quarter of a century. Here's how the Christmas of 25 years ago compares to the Christmas of today.

Popular music

In 1989 Bob Geldof and Midge Ure produced a No. 1 charity single raising money for those in need around the world. Back then, Zoella wasn't even born, so the likes of a young Kylie Minogue, Bananarama and Wet Wet Wet joined together to release Band Aid II.

The world of sport

On Christmas Day in 1989 Arsenal were top of the old First Division table. At least some things never change...

On the box

This year families can watch pretty much whatever they want thanks to streaming services and DVDs. But in 1989, most families would have been tuning in to Strike it Lucky, Miss Marple or Russ Abbot, with just four channels to choose from. The upshot is that TV ratings tended to be a lot higher; 25 years ago 20.94million people watched the Coronation Street special, while this year's expected ratings winners Mrs Brown's Boys can expect to attract around 9.4million.

Advertisements

Nowadays Christmas TV adverts have somehow become headline news themselves, but back in the day they were wonderfully retro and low budget.

Despite appearances we all know a lot has still changed in the past 25 years. But one thing that has not is first direct's commitment to their customers.

They are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week; yes, even on Christmas Day itself.