Brits pick the 20 most magical things about Christmas

The overall feeling was that it's the small things that make Christmas magical

This article contains affiliate links, we may receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

From the smell of the tree to Boxing Day walks, watching The Snowman on Christmas morning and deciding which chocolate to pick, a new survey reveals the 20 most magical things about a very British Christmas. Researchers polled the nation and revealed as many as half (49 per cent) intend to make Christmas extra special this year, with 65 per cent agreeing that it is the little things that make the festive season magical.

Being together with all the family (58 per cent), sending gifts to loved ones (50 per cent), seeing the Christmas lights twinkle around the house (39 per cent) and the excitement of Christmas Eve (38 per cent) topped the list. A third (33 per cent) also said you cannot beat the smell of roast turkey wafting through the house, while a further 32 per cent love snuggling down to watch the Christmas TV specials.

The sound of carol singers (25 per cent), passing around choccies on Christmas evening (24 per cent) and putting the star on the top of the tree (22 per cent) also appeared on the top 20 list. A fifth (20 per cent) voted for the smell of the Christmas tree, going for a long walk on Boxing Day (19 per cent) and tucking into the first mince pie of the season (19 per cent). Receiving a surprise or unexpected gift (30 per cent) was also high up on the list of magical Christmas moments.

The study was commissioned by vegan and free-from chocolate brand NOMO. According to the nation’s parents, the festive period is even more magical when you have children (67 per cent), especially watching the children play with their new toys (26 per cent). What’s more, 85 per cent of parents say they continue the same family traditions from their youth with their children.

It comes as NOMO looks to inject some much-needed surprise into Christmas by giving thousands of Brits an opportunity to send a personalised message to a loved one, alongside a bar of NOMO chocolate which can be enjoyed regardless of allergies or dietary requirements – all completely free. NOMO has been busy handing out its complimentary gifts to customers in shopping centres around the UK.

Emma Perrett from NOMO said: “65 per cent of Brits think it’s the small things that make Christmas so magical. There are so many amazing elements that come together to make the festive period so special, from seeing the lights sparkle everywhere to being presented with an unexpected gift.”

The 20 most magical things about Christmas, according to Brits

1. Being together with all the family – 58%
2. Seeing the Christmas lights twinkle around the house – 39%
3. The excitement of Christmas Eve – 38%
4. Seeing people’s decorations through their windows – 34%
5. The smell of turkey wafting through the house – 33%
6. Snuggling down to watch the Christmas TV specials – 32%
7. Receiving a surprise, unexpected gift – 30%
8. Watching movies in your PJs – 29%
9. Watching the children playing with their new toys – 26%
10. The sound of carol singers – 25%
11. Seeing the children’s faces when they see their stocking – 25%
12. Passing around chocolates on Christmas Day evening – 24%
13. Sitting on the sofa after devouring Christmas lunch – 22%
14. The smell of the Christmas tree – 20%
15. Going for a Boxing Day walk – 19%
16. Your first mince pie of the season – 19%
17. Leaving a carrot out for Rudolph – 19%
18. Watching The Snowman on Christmas morning – 18%
19. Boxing Day sandwiches – 18%
20. Deciding which Quality Street to pick – 15%