Why December 11 is known as breakup day as Australian couples are more likely to call it quits two weeks before Christmas

December 11 is known to be the most common day for Aussie couples to call it quits due to mounting stresses of the festive season. 

While Christmas is said to be the most joyous time of the year, the pressures that come with the season can make or break many couples. 

Social worker and general manager at The Banyans Healthcare, Marian Cartwright, told FEMAIL there are a ‘plethora of stresses’ around the busy Christmas holiday period. 

‘Couples in particular can be faced with a myriad of dilemmas this time year – from financial strain due to cost-of-living pressures, family responsibilities, work pressures and increased family responsibilities. Because of this, it’s not uncommon for couples to struggle to make time for one another,’ she explained. 

‘New research from Sana Health Group reveals one in five Australians admit to taking their work stress out on their family. So, it’s no surprise that as the year winds down and stress winds up – relationships can bear the brunt of this.’

December 11 was determined as the most common breakup day partly after hundreds of Facebook status updates over the year were analysed. 

Someone wanting to end a relationship can do so two weeks before Christmas so as not to be ‘too cruel’ and ruin December 25 for their soon-to-be ex. 

‘The timing of December 11 being the unofficial ‘day of break-ups’ is also unique in that it’s early December, not too far from the New Year but not too close to Christmas itself to dampen the festivities, and for many individuals, it’s that balance that can push them to make a change,’ Marian said.  

Marian added Christmas is also a time got couples to reflect on the year which can amplify unresolved issues. 

‘Even activities as seemingly innocent as gift giving can trigger couples and incline them to rethink who they are with,’ she said. 

Marian suggested some ways to avoid heartbreak over the Christmas period saying the solution can be ‘two fold’. 

‘Some stressors can certainly be avoided if the couple focuses on clear communication with one another and learning the other’s preferred communication style,’ she said. 

‘Extremely busy periods can mean couples often forget to check-in with one another and connect, which if continuously forgotten can snowball into a bigger issue.’

The social workers said to remember to check-in with your significant other by asking how they are feeling mentally and emotionally and what support they need. 

‘At the end of the day, every person just wants to be seen, heard and taken care of by their loved ones’ she said.

Alternatively, Marian said reflections couples make as the end of the year nears can lead them to realise maybe their relationship is no longer ‘serving them’ which is ‘completely natural’. 

‘People grow and change throughout the year, and what is needed for their individual mental well-being can become clearer during high-pressure times,’ she said. 

‘As such, it’s important to check-in with yourself and ask if you’re feeling fulfilled and happy, or whether it’s time to start fresh and create a new chapter.