Post by Graveyardbride on Dec 17, 2014 12:46:52 GMT -5
People ‘too busy’ for Christmas traditions
Christmas traditions such as midnight mass, carol singing and greeting cards are dying out because modern life has taken over, according to a study. Researchers found that 68 percent will be too busy shopping to enjoy any traditional yuletide activities. Just 7 percent will attend a Christmas Eve church service – and on Christmas Day, 16 percent will skip the turkey dinner and in Britain, four in 10 won't tune in the Queen's Speech.
One in 10 of those polled by the Salvation Army said shopping is now the most important festive tradition. Spokeswoman Major Val Mylechreest said, "It's hard to ignore that when winter comes around, there's a huge emphasis on buying presents. Even from October, we start to see decorations and ads on the high street pressuring us to prepare for Christmas. Though giving and receiving presents can make us feel great, it would be a huge shame to let the old traditions disappear due to shopping taking over. Taking a step back from wrapping gifts means we can really appreciate the time we have with family and friends at this time of year." The research also showed seeing faraway relatives is the festive event most commonly pushed aside for other Christmas priorities, such as shopping or preparing food.
Seventy-four percent of adults said they won't even consider singing a carol this Christmas.
Visiting the Christmas market and volunteering with a charity were revealed as other long-forgotten seasonal activities – while sending cards to family and friends was also listed.
Three in 10 believe watching a panto (a type musical comedy stage production once popular in Britain) is disappearing from Christmas traditions, and more than a fifth of adults said that well-wishing neighbors over the festive period is no longer common. Shopping for presents is the most prominent Christmas activity, said 68 percent who admitted they spend most of this period researching, shopping and wrapping gifts.
When it came to December 25, half of all adults polled said the day will be revolve around food and chocolate in addition to the Christmas dinner. Watching TV specials will take up most of the day, said more than a third, while 17 percent admitted the kids will usually spend their time on tablets, phones and game consoles. And 28 percent said they won't play traditional board games, once popular during the holiday season. Sixteen percent won't even be tucking in to a traditional turkey roast, instead opting for fast food.
The research also showed that a 6 percent will use Christmastime for activities such as ice-skating, caroling or visiting Santa, the same tiny amount that volunteer or perform chairty work during the season.
Mylechreest said: "It's easy to become immersed in all the hustle and bustle of the modern-day Christmas. "But this time of year should also provide a reason to help others who aren't in a position to go shopping. We can do this by reaching out to our community and helping those in need as well as focusing on family and friends."
Source: The Telegraph, December 15, 2014.
