One in three Britons will be forced to buy their Christmas presents on credit this year due to money worries, according to new research.

The research, by National Debtline, suggests up to five million of Brtions are "regularly" stressed about finances over the holiday season.

A poll carried out in partnership with YouGov (LSE: YOU.L - news) showed that around three million people in the UK would see their enjoyment of the festive season hampered by money concerns this year.

Joanna Elson, chief executive of the Money Advice Trust, the charity that runs National Debtline, said: "Money worries can have a huge impact on your life at any time - but the fact that they are putting Christmas at risk for up to five million people shows what an extremely difficulty time of year this can be.

"This is also, of course, a busy time of year - and it is easy to see why many people don't want to deal with financial problems in December."

The research suggested that less than a third of Britons make a budget and stick to it with regards to buying Christmas presents, and 10% say they "try not to think about" their financial problems during the holidays.

One in three will be borrowing money in order to buy presents, equating to around 16.5 million people, and one in five will be putting their Christmas food shopping on credit too.

National Debtline urges those feeling stressed about their finances to seek help, and has launched a new campaign, #FeelsLikeChristmas, to raise awareness.

"Our research shows there are millions of people worrying about Christmas finances who could benefit from seeking advice now, to start to resolve their financial problems," Ms Elson said.

"Three-quarters of callers to National Debtline tell us they feel less stressed as a result - and often that first step is the hardest to take."