The smell of the tree, Boxing Day walks, watching The Snowman on Christmas morning and deciding which chocolate to pick, survey reveals the 20 most magical things about a very British Christmas

Researchers polled the nation and revealed as many as half (49 percent) intend to make Christmas extra special this year, with 65 percent agreeing that it is the little things that make the festive season magical.

Being together with all the family (58 percent), sending gifts to loved ones (50 percent), seeing the Christmas lights twinkle around the house (39 percent), and the excitement of Christmas Eve (38 percent) topped the list.

A third (33 percent) also said you cannot beat the smell of roast turkey wafting through the house, while a further 32 percent love snuggling down to watch the Christmas TV specials.

The sound of carol singers (25 percent), passing around choccies on Christmas evening (24 percent) and putting the star on the top of the tree (22 percent) also appeared on the top 20 list.

A fifth (20 percent) voted for the smell of the Christmas tree, going for a long walk on Boxing Day (19 percent) and tucking into the first mince pie of the season (19 percent).

Receiving a surprise or unexpected gift (30 percent) was also high up on the list of magical Christmas moments.

The study was commissioned by NOMO, the UK’s no.1. vegan and free-from chocolate brand.

According to the nation’s parents, the festive period is even more magical when you have children (67 percent), especially watching the children play with their new toys (26 percent).

What’s more, 85 percent 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 already been busy handing out its complimentary gifts to customers in Birmingham Bullring’s shopping centre, with a second pop-up opening at London’s Westfield White City shopping centre from 1^st-3^rdDecember.

Emma Perrett from NOMO said: “65 percent 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%