Britons drink 41% more than the annual monthly average in December. Both Germany and Canada's consumption rises by 36% and Japan has an increase of 27%.

But despite drinking more, Britain has the lowest increase in drink-driving deaths in December.

Do these findings surprise you? How much more do you drink over Christmas than during other months? Send us your comments and experiences.

This debate is now closed. Thank you for your e-mails.

The following comments reflect the balance of opinion we have received:

Drinking is only a problem when the person concerned harasses others Nick, Paris, France

I'm not much of an alcohol addict being more into milk; that said, I'm attached to personal freedom and if someone wants to drink I wouldn't tolerate any do-gooders telling him/her what they should be doing. Drinking is only a problem when the person concerned becomes violent and harasses others.
Nick, Paris, France

3 weeks ago saw my final drinking black out - 90% of evening lost by all accounts from others and it was a good job they were there to get me home safely! Had one glass of wine since - and didn't even enjoy it. And the thing I most enjoy about not drinking? Not having that terrible feeling when you wake up the next morning - its enough to dissuade me from ever over-indulging again.
Sue, UK

As a prelude to Christmas I have spent a "dry" week devoid of wine, beer, whiskey, sweets, crisps etc. Although seeing them all in the cupboard has been driving me crazy. The odd thing is that I'm less tired, have got far more done about the house and a spring in my step.
Paul Millennas, Ruthin, Denbighshire

I don't understand the sudden government hysteria regarding the UK's drinking habits. Perhaps this is a pre-emptive justification for a sharp hike in duty on booze at the next budget.
Andy, Wolves UK

We are so used to going to parties without knowing why they are held. Christmas is about Christ, NOT getting drunk.
Ernest, London

Well, I hadn't thought of it before, but now you mention it... what a splendid idea - Cheers!
Harold Lee, London, England

Binge drinkers that then go on to fighting want birching Martin, Manfield, UK

I don't mind folks having a drink at Christmas. What does annoy me is the idiots who have to go over the top. In my opinion these so-called binge drinkers that then go on to fighting want birching.
Martin, Manfield, UK

I am an ex-drinker. Sadly I live near to a pub. I'm fed up hearing drinkers banging on about not doing anyone else any harm. They do. All the time. From car crashes to the idiots who find it essential to invade my garden to urinate on their way home. Just look at yourselves, people!
John, Notts, UK

I recently was admitted to hospital - it turned out that I am suffering Cardiomyopathy, a condition often caused by alcohol abuse. I was asked again and again how many pints a week I drank. The medical staff seemed to find it inconceivable that I do not even drink a pint a year. Quite a said reflection on the expectations of the medical profession!
Philip Meers, Birmingham, England

We always enjoy excellent wines at Christmas, partly because we're in France. So yes, I will be drinking, as will the rest of the family-I've been having a sober three or four days to be able to enjoy alcohol tomorrow. And I will be thinking of you poor Britons, who might drink more, but less in terms of quality!
Rose Lauray, France

Neither side of our families drink. It's a shame because one should never be forced to spend time with ones in-laws while sober. It's cruel and unusual punishment.
Alex, Chevy Chase, USA

I work for the Police and come across lots of Anti Social Behaviour as a result of excessive alcohol consumption. I strongly advocate the banning of all Happy Hours and drinks promotions, this may not be popular with some, even with some of my friends but something needs to be done ASAP!!!
Richard Browne, Burton

So we are now the "drunk man" of Europe. A sad reflection on modern Britain and nothing there to be proud of at all. I say this as a 28 year old who has enjoyed knocking back many drinks in my short life. I don't anymore, call me boring but a fine meal tastes a lot better with a glass of still water!
Ed , UK

Christmas and New Year just seem to be a good excuse for many people to descend into an alcoholic stupor David Priddy, Slough, UK

No it doesn't surprise me judging by the trollies full of booze being wheeled out of the local supermarket. Christmas and New Year just seem to be a good excuse for many people to descend into an alcoholic stupor. Personally the New Year marks the 21st anniversary of my last alcoholic drink.
David Priddy, Slough, UK

I've been in training for a few months now and am certain that I will drink more this Christmas than normal.
Brian, Folkestone

I already have. Last week saw our office party and I for one felt very poorly the day after. I think the combination of loosing in excess of 5 1/2 stone this year (concerted effort, but I now have a smaller body to soak up the alcohol), having given blood the day before and of course me forgetting both of these facts after the first drink, made me overindulge just a tad. But boy did I pay for it.
Jane, London, England

So far this year I've seen warnings about drinking too much, eating too much, spending too much and the dangers of listening to loud music. Perhaps we should just cancel Christmas?
Barry, London, UK

A friend of mine just had heart surgery after a heart attack. He's overweight, but interestingly enough the surgeon told him that excessive alcohol consumption had a major contributory effect to his condition. Suffice to say the thought of not seeing his child grow up has rapidly changed his views. He is dry and intends to stay that way including over Christmas. It's not just the effect it has on person drinking, it's those close to them that can suffer more.
Gary, UK

Going to the firm's fully paid for (with free table wine) Christmas lunch tomorrow... for the first time as a driver. And I'm quite looking forward to watching everyone else making an idiot of themselves that is usually me!
Anon

My husband's family are coming this Xmas for about five days. One Christmas with them there were 13 adults at Xmas dinner and they got through one and a half bottles of wine - total! Luckily this year at mine I have bought lots and lots of wine, port, gin, brandy - putting the spirits back into Xmas and determined to have a merry old time!
Rachel, Minnesota, USA (ex UK)

When I go home our family traditions put a stop to moderation Bas, London

I am trying to cut down on the amount I drink at the moment. I can resist my mates and when I am out. However when I go home our family traditions put a stop to moderation. Champagne before breakfast, after breakfast, wine, sherry, port with lunch and dinner. Brandy in all the food. Then on Boxing Day it's bucks fizz and hair of the dog. I think I could give up alcohol at Christmas if it wasn't for my mother!
Bas, London

I tend to drink more at Christmas because I can't do small talk with the relatives very well.
Andrew, Walsall, UK

No, as I will be travelling around visiting family. Unlike some others, I have no wish to put myself and others at risk by drinking too much and either embarrassing myself or others or worse still put my life and others at risk and get behind the wheel of my car.
Jo Hodgson, Swindon, UK

Knowing you don't have to face work the next morning means an extra tipple or two is more enjoyable Kiltie, Staffs, UK

Due to the festive nature of Christmas it is to be expected that drink consumption levels will rise. I don't drink much as a rule - one or two glasses of wine a week at most - but due to parties and social gatherings of friends and family over the course of Christmas and New Year this will definitely increase. Many people are off work and in relaxation mode - knowing you don't have to face work the next morning means an extra tipple or two is more enjoyable. However, come January, I'll be too skint to afford a drink so I plan to make the most of it!
Kiltie, Staffs, UK

Surprising? No. Until two years ago, drinking over Christmas was a must. During that time my alcohol consumption went from near zero to practically every night leading to Christmas. However, I always made sure that we have a designated driver or have cabs organised to take us some. This practice is actually widely practiced, especially during Christmas time. Also partying at Christmas is mainly related to work socialising and companies tend to provide alternative transport for their employees.
Savannah, London, UK

Most definitely.
James, London

These findings don't surprise me. One only has to venture into any town centre in Britain and it will be littered with lager louts every night of the week. I won't be drinking any more than usual over the holiday - I prefer to roast some chestnuts and enjoy some excellent cheese.
Adrian Doughty, Plymouth, Devon

Will I drink too much this Christmas..? I certainly hope so! But I won't get into a fight or throw up in the street etc�
Nathan Hobbs, Luton, UK

Yes I most probably will but then so do most people! I do drink sensibly though so I won't be causing any trouble; I think the people who drive after drinking don't care for the safety of others and should be banned from drinking
Beverly, UK

I am not surprised the drink driving deaths are lowered; everyone is so sozzled they couldn't even find the keys let alone start the car. Also you tend to drink more at home.
Barry, UK

Why do so many Britons choose to spend Christmas in a drunken haze? It's not what it's all about!
Reverend Pete Nowlan, London, UK

That does not surprise me at all, judging by what I put away yesterday! And no need to worry about drink driving because I went home on the train.
Adrian Mugridge, Chester, UK

What's the fuss about? I've always been teetotal I don't miss out on any fun. People need to think about why they are drinking then go get a glass of fruit juice. Mind you if everyone stopped drinking my favourite piece of fun would stop, taking the micky about the hangover and reminding people what it was they did last night.
Paul, MK, UK

It would appear we are getting the drink drive message Alan, Birmingham

Yes I probably will be drinking (and eating) too much this xmas but I will also be going to the gym a bit more regularly during the break from work to burn it off! I have been and will continue to use the train instead of the car to travel to work over the xmas period - it would appear we are getting the drink drive message.
Alan, Birmingham, UK

I will drink too much this Christmas, but according to the government guidelines I drink too much anyway, so it doesn't bother me really. The social culture in this country is synonymous with booze, especially at Christmas.
Ben, Durham

I'm surprised this is actually news! The increase in binge drinking is inevitable over the festive season. Between office parties and seeing various friends before Christmas I have only had one sober day in the last 15... and I'm not even that popular!
Rebecca, Cardiff, Wales

I will drink more, probably because I'll be going out more to pubs and restaurants with friends and family, some of whom I've not seen since last Christmas. I won't, however, be drinking to excess - I want to remember Christmas, not let it pass in a drunken fuzz!
Becky, Oxford, UK

Next Thursday's recycle collection will tell all.
Patrick V Staton, Guildford, UK

Absolutely not! I will certainly be drinking more than normal, but I will not be exceeding my limits. This is characteristic evidence that the UK on the whole has a binge drinking problem. People think that getting absolutely drunk out of their minds is a necessity for any special occasion. I hardly drink at all, but I still manage to get out and have a good with my friends. Alcohol and drunkenness are not mutual for a good night out!
Andy, Leeds, UK

I probably drink less over Christmas and New Year than the rest of the year, the reason being that I can't abide all the office parties, with all their enforced jollity, that end up in the pubs!
Sue, London, UK

The way Christmas and New Year has fallen this year means I probably won't drink that much more than normal - I go out Friday, Saturday and Sunday night every week!
LO Grundy, Liverpool, Great Britain