With Christmas just around the corner now, the festive movies and music have starting reappearing and the Christmas markets are in full swing as the nation prepares for the festive season. Ahead of Christmas, some interesting recent research reveals that traditional customs are still very much at the heart of a Welsh Christmas.
It seems the nation’s love for Welsh Christmas traditions knows no bounds. In fact, according to new research from the Celtic Manor Resort1, over half (51%) of Welsh people surveyed still follow classic Welsh customs, with taffy making (55%) ranked the most popular festive activity. What’s more, when it comes to Christmas in Wales, family remains at the heart, with spending time with loved ones a highlight of the festive season for 62% of those surveyed.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, food and drink also occupy a huge part of the celebrations. In fact, tucking into a turkey dinner with all the trimmings, indulging in mince pies, and enjoying seasonal tipples, such as mulled wine and eggnog, are all identified among the population’s favourite things about the festive season.
However, it seems that some things never change. When asked about their top childhood memories, putting up the tree (55%), watching festive films (48%) and writing a letter to Santa (43%) were all listed to be the most memorable activities for the Welsh – seasonal pastimes which are still very much alive at Christmas today.
Celtic Manor Resort’s Marketing Director, Vanessa Russell said, “It’s heart-warming to see how much the Welsh people value traditional customs when it comes to Christmas, with spending quality time with friends and family at the heart of the festive season for many. It’s a very busy and important time of year at the Celtic Manor Resort, where we’ve established many traditions of our own over the years.
“As well as the party nights, festive afternoon teas and Christmas Day celebrations you might expect, we also offer a range of seasonal activities the whole family can take part in, including The Great Skate ice rink which gets everyone in the festive spirit.”
For families looking for fun activities to enjoy over the Christmas period, The Great Skate sponsored by Castell Howell at the Celtic Manor Resort is the perfect day out. Families can glide around the rooftop ice-rink, warm up with a hot chocolate or festive tipple, and enjoy the delights of the Bratwurst Hut, making memories that will last a lifetime. To read our review of The Great Skate, click here.
To find out more about the range of seasonal offerings available at the Celtic Manor Resort during the festive period, visit https://www.celtic-manor.com/christmas.
We recently revealed children’s favourite Christmas moments, and some of them might surprise you! Head here to have a read.
Let us know what you most look forward to about Christmas in the comments section below!
1 Survey of Welsh Adults by Celtic Manor Resort and 3GEM, 2018.
