Two in three people in the UK believe Christmas has become too commercial and want to bring its meaning back, according to a new poll from The Children’s Society.
Half of the adults surveyed say they enjoy or would take part in festive traditions such as a Christingle, which shows a longing for community-centred traditions from childhood, according to the charity.
Mark Russell, chief executive of The Children’s Society, said: “We hear from families who feel that Christmas has become frantic, commercial and disconnected from the things that truly matter. Christingle is a chance to slow down, reconnect, and bring meaning back to the season.”
More than 2,000 Christingle events will be taking place across the UK in support of The Children’s Society, to raise funds for children facing loneliness, mental health challenges, exploitation and abuse.
The tradition of candles and ribbons dates back to the eighteenth century Moravian church, representing Jesus’ light in the world and his blood respectively.
Meanwhile, the nationwide survey revealed that 32 per cent of adults feel nostalgic about going to or being in a nativity play, with 29 per cent having fond memories of carol singing.
Just under a quarter (23 per cent) of the 2,000 adults questioned say they feel nostalgic about attending midnight mass or church service.
Other memorable activities from childhood include decorating the Christmas tree (57 per cent), watching Christmas lights switch on events (37 per cent) and going to a Christmas market (30%).
Fifteen percent say they don’t remember or feel nostalgic about any festive traditions from their childhood.
