CHRISTMAS IS DEAD

Carols and holly on the way out as traditions fade

THE traditional Christmas is dying out.

Carol singing, decking the halls with holly, attending Midnight Mass and kissing under the mistletoe are becoming extinct.

Other festive traditions such as hiding a silver coin in the Christmas pudding and tipping the milkman and postmen have almost vanished entirely, new research has revealed.

Eight out of 10 homes will not bother with a real Christmas tree. And 78% of festive revellers will snub the Queen’s speech to watch other entertainment such as Netflix instead.

The stark decline was revealed in a new poll by the Ideal Home Show Christmas.

More than two in three Brits said it was a shame so many traditions were being forgotten.

And almost a third are worried the spirit of Christmas is being lost altogether, with people forgetting the notion of helping others at this time of year.

However, some traditions are surviving. About 74% of Brits prefer to handwrite and post Christmas cards rather than sending messages on social media.

Almost two-thirds will tuck into a turkey on Christmas Day, while 67% plan to pull crackers.

And 88% plan to snub eating trends and tuck into a traditional fry-up on Christmas morning rather than a healthier alternative such as avocado on toast.

New trends include nearly half the population planning to decorate their entire homes – including the outside.

About 37% plan to show off their properties with fairy lights. And nearly half of Brits plan to wear Christmas jumpers.

Research showed a typical household spends £104 every year updating decorations, which are most commonly put up on December 5.

A spokesman for Ideal Home Show Christmas, which takes place at London’s Olympia from November 21 to 25, said: “To us, Christmas is all about celebrating generations of traditions.

“It’s heart-warming to hear that putting pen to paper to write a goodwill greeting and tucking in to a turkey with the family are standing the test of time.”

The Star Says: Page 6