A quarter of festive Brits are shunning classic Christmas traditions like satsumas in stockings (40%) and carolling (38%) in favour of new customs such as homemade presents or staying in pyjamas all day, a survey has found.
Other emerging trends include a vegetarian or vegan Christmas, hanging quirky baubles, and regifting unwanted presents (22%). One in four (24%) now buy sustainable Christmas trees, while 21% snuggle under new festive blankets.
Beloved traditions in decline include roasting chestnuts (35%), watching the King's Speech (24%), and mixing a penny into Christmas pudding. Notably, 18% of adults have never tried Christmas pudding, rising to 45% among Gen Z.
The poll of 2,000 adults, commissioned by M&M'S, found that half (51%) embrace new traditions to try something different, 41% to surprise loved ones, and 31% to include more people. Stocking fillers remain popular, with chocolate leading (56%), followed by sweets (34%) and socks (30%).
Chocolate is a favourite treat for 70% of Brits at Christmas, with 12% starting their chocolate haul first thing in the morning. Among Gen Z, 53% buy themselves a Christmas gift, with 56% wrapping it to open on the day. Popular self-gifts include clothes, beauty products, and chocolate.
