One in four Brits getting tired of Christmas traditions – like satsumas in stockings

One in four adults are growing tired of festive traditions – with pennies in the Christmas pudding, and sending cards, believed to be among those most at risk of dying out. A poll of 2,000 adults, who celebrate Christmas, found 40 percent think satsumas in stockings will soon fall by the wayside, and 38 percent believe carolling is in danger of being forgotten.

Making paper chains (37 percent), roasting chestnuts (35 percent), and sitting around the TV for the King’s speech (24 percent), are other beloved traditions people believe could become a thing of the past.

In fact, nearly one in five (18 percent) revealed they have never tried a Christmas pudding – increasing to 45 percent of Gen Z.

Instead, a host of “new” traditions are being embraced, with 24 percent having sustainable Christmas trees, and 22 percent regifting unwanted presents. One in five (21 percent) are also enjoying getting tucked up in special festive blankets and bedding.

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 that, of those looking to mix things up at Christmas, half (51 percent) do so because they want to try something new.

Meanwhile, 41 percent want to surprise their loved ones with something a little different, and 31 percent reckon it is a great way to include more people.

The poll also explored a Christmas favourite which is here to stay – stocking fillers. It emerged that chocolate leads the way, with 56 percent loving it when they find some in their Christmas haul – followed by sweets (34 percent), and even socks (30 percent).

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 percent waste no time, and have a munch on the sweet treat first thing in the morning – with 70 percent going as far as to say that chocolate is one of their favourite treats at this time of year.

It also emerged 53 percent of Gen Zs admit to purchasing themselves a Christmas gift – with 56 percent of these wrapping it up to put under the tree and open Christmas morning. New clothes, beauty or fragrances, and chocolate, top the list of the most self-gifted items.

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.”