The company has teamed up with Green Santa, who is a close relation of Father Christmas, to offer energy saving tips to help keep the bills down and also to reduce carbon emissions.

Nick Sandham, from E.ON, one of the UK's leading Electricity and Gas Company, said: "We've enlisted Green Santa's help to encourage people to do whatever they can to share this festive season.

"That should add to the fun with family and friends, while helping conserve energy at one of the peak times of the year for energy guzzling at home.

"Even small things can make a big difference - from family film viewing to candlelit dinners after a tiring festive period - it doesn't really matter how you share - ultimately it will help us all save energy and protect the environment."

And sharing will also help us have a merrier Christmas, according to Dr David Holmes from Manchester Metropolitan University.
He said: "Once, Christmas was a time to come together but the Dickensian spirit is disappearing as we increasingly have separate homes, separate rooms, watch different programmes on different TVs and, to a great extent, have somewhat separate lives.

"So let's pick up the spirit of a sharing this Christmas. Sharing experiences bonds us together and make us happier as well as healthier."

E.ON's Green Santa has put together some simple tips for sharing over the festive period:
On Christmas Eve: watch your favourite programme or DVD in the dark - close the curtains, turn the lights off and have a true cinematic experience before the big day. And remember to watch out for that red dot - don't leave your telly on standby overnight;
On Christmas Day morning: once you've opened your presents, remember to save your wrapping paper. You can reuse it next year, or use it to brighten tired books and boxes;
When cooking Christmas Day dinner: let your vegetables share a saucepan and use a tiered steamer rather than separate pans;
On Christmas Day afternoon: spend time as much time as you can with your friends and family in the same room - and use an energy saving light bulb as they last up to 15 times longer than traditional ones and use 80% less electricity. And the last person to leave the room at bedtime should make sure to turn the light off;
At the end of Christmas Day: couples could hop into a steamy bath together to save energy by only using one tub of hot water. Better still, share a shower for even greater savings. And remember to use your new Christmas smellies;
On Boxing Day: if you're playing a computer game, let as many people as possible join in - but remember to turn your computer off after you've finished. Better still, unplug it altogether and try out a traditional family board game or charades instead;
Once the festivities are over: take time to turn down the lights and wind down with a relaxing candle-lit dinner with your nearest and dearest.
As Christmas is a time for sharing and caring, E.ON who also provide Boiler Repairs and Boiler Maintenance is also reminding people about its £100m CaringEnergy scheme.

CaringEnergy supports and protects vulnerable customers by helping to improve the income and energy efficiency of their homes with a range of products, including free and discounted cavity wall and loft insulation.

People interested in finding out more about E.ON CaringEnergy can call free on 0800 051 1480 to be taken through the various options available.

EonEnergy have over 6 million customers, providing gas, electricity and Home Energy Services to homes and businesses. Find out how EonEnergy can help you save money on your bills by getting an online quote today.