06 December 2023 , 00:10
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A quarter of festive Brits are shunning traditions like satsumas in stockings (40%), and Christmas carolling (38%) – in favour of starting “new” traditions, such as homemade presents, or staying in pyjamas all day.
Other new trends being embraced include a vegetarian or vegan Christmas, and hanging quirky or unique baubles – while more than a fifth (22%) are even regifting unwanted presents. The survey of 2,000 adults who celebrate the season found that one in four (24%), are now buying sustainable Christmas trees for their homes, while 21% are snuggling up under new festive blankets or bedding.
And some of the beloved traditions that are in danger of falling by the wayside, to make way for these new crazes, include roasting chestnuts (35%), watching the King's Speech on Christmas Day (24%) – and mixing a penny into the Christmas pudding. In fact, 18% of those polled revealed that they have never even tried a Christmas pudding – increasing to 45% of Gen Z.
The research was commissioned by M&M’S, to mark this year’s launch of its Hollow Santa – the hollow, milk chocolate shape, filled with mini versions of the sweet.
And it went on to find of those looking to mix things up at Christmas, half (51%) do so because they want to try something new, while 41% want to surprise their loved ones with something a little different – and 31% reckon it is a great way to include more people.
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The poll also explored a Christmas favourite which is here to stay – stocking fillers. And chocolate leads the way, with 56% loving it when they find some in their Christmas haul – followed by sweets (34%), and even socks (30%).
When it comes to getting stuck into their chocolate pressies on the big day, the most popular time to get started is just after lunch. However, 12% waste no time, and have a munch on the sweet treat first thing in the morning – with 70% going as far as to say chocolate is one of their favourite treats at this time of year.
It also emerged 53% of Gen Zs admit to purchasing themselves a Christmas gift – with 56% of these wrapping it up to put under the tree and open Christmas morning. And some of the most popular self-gifted items include new clothes, beauty or fragrances, and chocolate.
Cybi Capaldi, from Mars Wrigley, said: “I love Christmas, but every year I remember how repetitive it can be – which is why this year, I'll be trying out some new traditions, such as the modern favourites that made our list, or something completely different entirely, like a morning dip in the sea.”
TOP 10 CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS MOST AT RISK OF DYING OUT:
- Pennies in the Christmas pudding
- Satsumas and walnuts in Christmas stockings
- Sending Christmas cards
- Going Christmas carolling
- Making paper chains
- Roasting chestnuts
- Singing Christmas carols at home
- Marzipan fruits
- Lighting the Christmas pudding
- Watching the King's Speech
TOP 10 “NEW” CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS FAMILIES ARE EMBRACING:
- Christmas shopping in November
- Sustainable/imitation Christmas trees
- Wearing pyjamas all day
- Festive candles
- Regifting
- Christmas blankets and bedding
- Cheesy Christmas romance films
- Homemade presents
- Vegetarian or vegan Christmas
- Quirky/unique baubles