- The siblings decided to smooth things over with a surprising homemade gift.
- With Christmas around the corner, Carnation reveals 65% of Brits agree* that a homemade baked gift conveys emotions that would be otherwise hard to express.
As the festive season approaches, TV personality and podcaster, Louise Thompson, has extended an unexpected olive branch to her famously mischievous brother, Sam. In a rare display of sibling harmony, Louise has baked a heartfelt homemade gift with Carnation, calling for a "truce" after a year of their characteristic bickering and pranks.
In a video shared this morning on her Instagram, Louise, often the target of Sam's elaborate mischief, is seen reflecting on their playful rivalry. This stirs up one final act of revenge that does not go down well with Sam, resulting in Louise deciding on a truce, once and for all.
Louise comments, “Sam and I have a blast with our pranks, but sometimes it's nice to remind ourselves we do actually care about each other. This year, I wanted to properly smooth things over before Christmas, and honestly, sometimes a delicious homemade treat speaks louder than words. Let’s see how long this lasts, but hopefully it means fewer sprouts in my stocking this year!"
Louise’s gesture comes as new research* from Carnation reveals the emotional complexities of the festive season. A staggering 70% agree that they struggle to find the words to express what they want to say, whether that’s ‘thank you’, ‘I’m sorry’, ‘I care’, or in some cases, asking for a ‘truce’.
Despite being a joyful time, it can bring increased stress for two in three of us (67%), leading to disagreements with family and friends (52%) and increased bickering (36%),however, it is also seen as a unique opportunity to smooth over past misunderstandings (56%) as friends and families come together.
With Brits agreeing that homemade baked gifts can convey emotions that are hard to put into words (65%) and feel more meaningful than a shop bought gift (72%), this festive season Carnation is calling on the nation to “Smooth Things Over ” with loved ones, using the magic of baking to bridge gaps, express love, and create lasting memories this Christmas.
* The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 2000 UK Nationally representative respondents. The data was collected between 17.10.2025 - 20.10.2025. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council.
