Top 10 most important Christmas traditions as putting up the tree tops the list

04 December 2023 , 15:23

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One in three Brits feel Christmas is a sentimental time, and a time to stick to tradition (Image: SWNS)

Festive Brits have shared the Christmas traditions they consider the most important – with four in 10 saying that putting up the tree tops the list.

This was followed by enjoying christmas-dinner>Christmas dinner with the whole family on December 25 (37%), while exactly a quarter cherish the tradition of eating turkey on the big day. And 21% like settling down in front of a Christmas TV special, or snuggling up to watch a Christmas movie (26%), according to the survey of 2,000 adults, who celebrate the holiday season.

One in three say that this time of year makes them feel sentimental, and is a time for tradition. And eight in 10 plan to send out Christmas cards this year, with 84% agreeing that sending a physical card is more sentimental than a digital one.

But a new quiz from Royal Mail, which commissioned the research, will help you discover which Christmas personality types best suits you – including “Digital Davids”, who will do all their Christmas shopping online, and only send out Christmas wishes through emails or texts.

Dr Linda Papadopoulos, who has teamed up with Royal Mail to help identify the different Christmas personality types, said: “The way we respond to the demands of the festive period can give insight into someone’s personality traits, values, responses to stress, and coping mechanisms.

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“It serves as a reflection of our upbringing and family traditions, shaping our values and expectations during the Christmas holidays. Generational routines often become our own, contributing to the identity and sense of belonging within a group.”

Other personality types that those polled identified with include “Charitable Charlies”, who often volunteer their time, engage in helping charities that are meaningful to them, and ensure the money from all the Christmas cards they buy goes to good causes.

Meanwhile, over a fifth (22%) are “Organised Olivias” – who know what presents to buy, and who for, as early as August, and have their Christmas cards written and ready to send in November.

The research also found that young adults, aged 18-24, expressed higher levels of excitement and gratefulness during the Christmas period, with 57% stating they felt excited, and 42% expressing gratitude.

In comparison, only 23% of individuals over the age of 65 reported feeling excited, while 16% say they feel grateful.

Top 10 most important Christmas traditions as putting up the tree tops the list

And over a fifth are 'Organised Olivias', who have all their Christmas cards written and ready to send by November (Peter Dazeley/Getty Images)

And 49% of those polled, via OnePoll.com, say they feel the need to keep Christmas traditions alive now that they have children in the family.

Dr Linda Papadopoulos, added: “With everything else moving digital, the act of sending and receiving handwritten Christmas cards continues to hold the most sentiment, and reinforces the importance of taking time to think of others and value social connections.

“This ritual of selecting, writing, and posting a card, validates the steps taken to connect with others during the Christmas season.

“Unlike a fleeting text message, a Christmas card seems more substantial because it often requires more time and effort from the sender, so it creates a lasting impact and something physical the receiver can keep.”

Nick Landon, chief commercial officer at Royal Mail, said: “We know that sending cards remains a much-loved tradition, even in a digital world – about twice the amount of mail is posted in December compared with other months.

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“Whether you are super organised and have already written and sent all your cards, or you are still picking the perfect cards for loved ones, it is clear to see the vast majority of people love receiving a Christmas card in the post, and it remains an important way of spreading the festive spirit.”

TOP CHRISTMAS PERSONALITY TYPES:

“Organised Olivia” – gets their cards sent out early, staying on top of the to-do list and making sure everything is smooth-sailing.
“So-so Sophie” – pretty impartial, an even balance of enthusiastic and unbothered.
“Sentimental Sally” – someone who finds joy in writing and receiving Christmas cards, and likes to put the tree up with the whole family.
“Grinchy Gary” – has little to no involvement in the Christmas prep or tradition.
“Overwhelmed Ollie” – the preparation period cripples them into a state of panic.
“Digital David” – ONLY sends Christmas wishes through texts and emails, and orders all their presents online.
“Charitable Charlie” – ensures they buy Christmas cards where the money goes to good causes, and often volunteers their time to the needy.

TOP 10 CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS MOST IMPORTANT TO PEOPLE: