- Decorating the tree tops list of North East’s festive traditions –
A survey carried out by the National Trust has identified that 3 in 4 people in the North East think that family traditions are what makes Christmas so special.
The study of over 160 adults found that 54% of people in the North East cherished the tradition of decorating the tree and house over all others. Eating mum’s home-made Christmas dinner and seeing Christmas lights were a close second and third. The top five in order of favourite traditions in the North East turned out to be:
1. Decorating the tree
2. Eating your mum’s Christmas dinner
3. Seeing Christmas lights
4. Opening your stocking presents
5. Listening to Christmas pop music
The study also revealed that almost a third of us like to visit Christmas markets, whilst 1 in 5 enjoy Christmas carolling and burning off the turkey on a Boxing Day family walk.
Off the back of the research findings the National Trust is inviting everyone to share in the magic of festive traditions old and new. Over the yuletide season special events will bring to life the spirit of Christmas. From food and crafts to Christmas concerts and atmospheric grottoes, National Trust places will be decked out with Christmas sparkle.
Julie Tucker, Events and Promotions Manager for the National Trust at Wallington told us:
“Our research highlights how important traditions are to families at Christmas time. Lots of National Trust places will be rekindling the magic of simple family traditions this year with events in the North East. At Wallington Father Christmas it stopping by, you can hear stories from Mrs Santa and enjoy Christmas music and decorations in the house. Cragside are serving delicious Christmas lunches, inspired by Lord Armstrong, and at Gibside you can pick up seasonal crafts and food at their regular farmers market.”
To find out what’s happening across the North East this Christmas log onto www.nationaltrust.org.uk/northeast