Nearly half of Danes wish they could cut down on screen time during Christmas, but experts say that goal is trickier than it sounds. A new survey shows how hard it can be for families to step away from digital devices and enjoy the holidays together.
Denmark’s struggle with screen-free holidays
When winter darkness sets in, many Danes turn to their screens for comfort and entertainment. But a new Megafon survey conducted for TV 2 reveals that 47 percent of respondents wish screens played a smaller role during the holidays. The term “screen time” includes televisions, computers, tablets, and smartphones.
Interestingly, this longing to log off spikes around Christmas. Families gather, traditions return, and the idea of constant connectivity starts to feel out of place. Experts in consumer behavior note that people associate Christmas with togetherness and simple, in-person interactions.
Desire for family time over screen time
Many young Danes recognize how easily phones and social media can steal attention from loved ones. Some students say they plan to use their screens less this holiday season to focus on spending time with family instead. Parents often share the same hope, seeing Christmas as a break from the usual rhythm of work, school, and digital noise.
Still, most acknowledge they will not give up screens entirely. For many, watching Christmas movies together remains an important tradition, one that connects generations and continues to define a cozy Danish holiday. For people new to Danish traditions, understanding Danish holidays may help explain why family time and screen breaks carry such emotional weight.
Why it’s difficult to disconnect
On paper, taking a break from screens sounds simple. In reality, it rarely works that way. Once vacations begin, the normal routines that limit device use—work, classes, and structured schedules—disappear. Without those boundaries, people often fall back into old habits.
Another challenge is that our devices are built to keep us engaged. Social platforms, streaming apps, and games all compete for attention and reward us with constant stimulation. Experts warn that willpower alone is usually not enough to resist. For anyone hoping to reduce screen time, it should be treated as a shared family effort rather than an individual resolution.
If one person tries to disconnect while everyone else scrolls through their phones, success becomes unlikely. The simple sight of someone else using a device can trigger the urge to check one’s own. Establishing joint rules or phone-free zones can help create a sense of accountability—and even spark new family traditions that focus on direct social contact.
Tips for limiting screen use over Christmas
Experts recommend starting with small, concrete steps rather than ambitious goals. One suggestion is to physically put devices away in another room. That small act makes it slightly inconvenient to check messages or open apps. It also highlights the decision when one chooses to pick the phone back up.
Another approach is to use built-in tools that track or restrict screen use. Turning off notifications or limiting certain apps during the holidays can reduce temptation. Yet studies show that rules work best when applied to everyone in the household, reinforcing the idea that restraint is a group project, not a solo challenge.
According to the same Megafon survey, 67 percent of Danes expect to use their screens between three and eight hours a day during the Christmas break. However, health authorities recommend no more than three hours of daily screen time during leisure periods. That number suggests that many Danes, despite good intentions, will continue to exceed healthy limits.
Balancing digital life and well-being
The conversation around Christmas and screen use reflects a broader concern about mental health and balance in everyday life. Spending hours online can quietly affect well-being, concentration, and sleep quality—issues that have been gaining attention in Denmark. Some health professionals encourage families to reintroduce analog activities during the holidays, such as board games or shared cooking, that shift focus away from screens.
For Danes and foreigners alike, the tension between technology and togetherness remains part of modern life. The challenge lies not in banning screens completely, but in making sure they do not overshadow the very moments that make Christmas meaningful.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: Celebrating Danish Holidays Guide Expats
The Danish Dream: Mental Health in Denmark for Foreigners
TV2: Danskerne ønsker sig mindre skærmtid til jul
