Brits ditch traditional Turkey dinner at Christmas for these alternatives

The festive rulebook is being rewritten, it seems - with the classic turkey dinner and panto taking a back seat while double desserts are all the rage. Good Housekeeping's 2024 consumer survey has highlighted that a significant number of people are opting for or considering an alternative to the traditional roast on Christmas Day.

Angela Trofymova, head of testing at the Good Housekeeping Institute, observed: "We've noticed a real change in habits when it comes to the Christmas centrepiece meal."

She added, "The traditional turkey is still a firm favourite for many, but there's now a plethora of alternative meat options, many glazed in spiced treacle, or cheaper cuts slow-cooked until they melt in the mouth. We've also seen real innovation in desserts where premium-tasting options like cheesecakes are proving very popular."

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Venison, beef, and chicken are gaining traction as festive fare, while a whopping 64% are keen to skip the Christmas pudding. A trend towards serving two desserts is emerging, with Angela noting that dessert offerings have become more innovative and now often include less traditional choices such as cheesecakes.

Other long-standing festive customs are losing their appeal, with 20% of folks no longer baking and decorating their own Christmas cake, 34% giving pantomime a miss, and 32% skipping church services, reports the Mirror.

Even the once-ubiquitous office Christmas party is seeing a decline in popularity, with 60% of people choosing not to attend. However, some traditions remain beloved, with 58% still sending out Christmas cards and advent calendars maintaining their charm for 52%.

Half of us reckon that gathering round to watch the telly is a key part of the festive cheer, while 35% plan to tune in for the King's Speech. A good third of us enjoy slipping into a festive knit for Christmas Jumper Day.

The survey also highlights changes in festive spending habits, with 48% of consumers cutting back due to the cost-of-living pinch. Meanwhile, four in ten are squirreling away funds throughout the year to ensure Christmas remains special.

Notably, the poll discovered a whopping 60% of people declare their love for the Yuletide period - yet there's a tiny 3% who embody Scrooge, wishing to bypass the season entirely. Jane Bruton, editor-in-chief at Good Housekeeping UK, chimed in: "While consumers are tightening their budgets this Christmas, our latest data reveals that the excitement for the holiday season remains as strong as ever."

Pick up the December issue of Good Housekeeping, available now, for the full Christmas Survey scoop.