Christmas traditions are still going strong

The Maltese population’s favourite thing about Christmas is spending time with family members, while the most popular culinary treat is panettone, with mince pies coming in a close second, a survey has found. Published by One4all, the national Christmas shopping survey delved into the public’s frame of mind as well as their planned expenditure on gifts, extra food for festive meals, out-of-home entertainment and leisure over the festive season. More than 75 per cent said Christmas began when they put up their decorations at home. Christmas Eve Mass with family members was the most popular part of their routine, with 48.5 per cent upholding this tradition. Perhaps appropriately given its central character’s transformation from selfish complainer to generous benefactor, Malta’s favourite Christmas film is Scrooge. The Maltese are also spending significantly more than other European consumers. Two thirds will splash out between €151 and €500 per household on gifts. Just over 15 per cent will spend anywhere between €500 and €2,000. The most frugal spenders this festive season in Europe will be the Dutch, who will fork out an average of €260 per household. The Malta survey follows on...