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AMERICANS are ‘over’ Christmas traditions – with a third wanting to swap traditional turkey for a juicy burger.
A poll of 2,000 adults who celebrate the festive period found 31 per cent are bored with the usual Christmas customs and would like to see more unusual alternatives during the lead up to the big day.
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Of those on board with the idea of a meal switch up, pizza (44 per cent), tacos (38 per cent) and even a Chinese take out (34 per cent) were cited as preferred options over the traditional festive bird.
It also emerged 47 per cent would prefer to spend the whole day in their pajamas rather than getting dressed up.
While 18 per cent like the idea of doing a ‘friends-only’ Christmas, and 35 per cent would choose to focus on quality time together over elaborate gifts or decorations.
A spokesperson for St Pierre Bakery, which commissioned the research, said: “While Christmas is a season of joy, many people find themselves feeling a little stuck in the same festive routine, and traditions that once felt magical can start to feel repetitive.
“Exploring new ways to celebrate, from alternative cuisines to unique gift-giving ideas, can reignite the excitement and create memories that feel fresh and meaningful.”
The study also found that of the 60 per cent who have eaten something untraditional on Christmas Day, 37 per cent had pizza, 31 per cent chose pasta, and 28 per cent served up burgers.
And half said their unusual choice of meal was more enjoyable than they thought it would be.
TOP 10 Christmas traditions Americans would be open to swapping
- Sending Christmas cards
- Ugly Christmas sweater parties
- Gift-giving
- Secret Santa gift exchange
- Listening to Christmas songs
- Watching Christmas movies
- Elf on the shelf
- Christmas lights
- Holiday baking and treats
- Decorating a Christmas tree
It also emerged 43 per cent have adopted their own Christmas traditions from when they were a child, while only 16 per cent have introduced new traditions as an adult.
Nearly seven in 10 (69 per cent) are also interested in creating new festive customs unique to them or their family and friends.
But 62 per cent think there is an obligation to follow December traditions, with 49 per cent saying people are generally nervous about boycotting them.
Although 22 per cent of those polled via OnePoll.com reckon their loved ones would feel ‘excited’ if they were to swap them for alternatives instead.
Top things Americans would prefer to do instead of the usual Christmas traditions
- Spend all day in pajamas rather than getting dressed up
- Focus on quality time together rather than elaborate decorations, gifts, or meals
- Take a vacation
- Have a themed-Christmas e.g. ‘tropical Christmas’ or ‘Christmas in pajamas’
- Go on a quiet, personal retreat
- Skip the big dinner and celebrate with an indulgent breakfast instead
- Spend the day volunteering at a local charity, food bank, or shelter
- Give and receive DIY gifts only
- Friends-only Christmas
- Swap gifts for handwritten letters of gratitude
Of those who are open to the idea, sending Christmas cards (32 per cent), Elf on the Shelf (28 per cent), and holiday parades (25 per cent) are among the traditions they would be most open to swapping.
The spokesperson for St Pierre Bakery added: “It’s not about losing the holiday spirit—it’s about refreshing it.
“We think it’s time to shake things up and make the holiday season exciting again—because traditions evolve, and so should our celebrations.
“From the endless turkey dinners to the familiar carols, some families are craving a fresh twist on Christmas.
“Food plays such a huge role in making festive memories – why not embrace some new traditions to reignite the holiday spirit and make new ‘magnifique’ moments for generations to come.”
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