IN a bid to beat the Boxing Day blues thousands of people are booking holidays on the beach.

More than half of us said we would love to forsake the traditional British Christmas for some sun to banish our winter misery, says new research from Thomas Cook.

A spokesman for the travel firm said: "There is a lot of hype in the run-up to Christmas and sometimes it may not live up to expectations.

"This year more Brits than ever chose this time for their annual holiday to completely miss Christmas.

"The week between Christmas and New Year is one of our busiest times for holiday bookings."

A massive 60% of Brits reckon the other half's family always ruin the festive period.

And more than half of us believe Yuletide doesn't live up to our expectations while a third of us say that we could do without the hassle.

A third of people are relieved when it's all over and done with, while 16% are depressed because they've put on weight.

One in five is down in the dumps because of overspending.

A third of respondents said their holiday is the only thing to look forward to after Christmas, but 20% can't wait to hit the shops to bag a bargain in the January sales.