Brits are turning into Scrooges: More than half won't send Christmas cards, sing carols or watch the King's Speech

Brits are waving a fond farewell to festive traditions 'of old' - with pennies in Christmas puds, satsumas in stocking and carol singing being binned this festive season.

A poll of 2,000 Brits found that 76 per cent said they would not be watching the King's Speech, and 61 per cent said they wouldn't be sending Christmas cards - instead sending texts, emails or e-cards.

A total of 20 per cent said they would not be eating a traditional roast dinner - and instead tuck into a vegan or vegetarian dish.

One-in-four said they would get a fake Christmas tree, and 22 per cent said they would be re-gifting many of their presents - with 53 per cent buying a Christmas present for themselves and putting it under tree.

A total of 23 per cent of those polled said they were 'tired' to 'festive cliches'.

Paula Lawson, 55, of Ashford, Kent, said she had dropped many festive traditions since her kids grew up.

She said: 'I used to do the whole lot, stockings filled with chocolate, satsumas, walnuts and small toys, pennies in the pudding and roasting chestnuts on the fire.

'Ever since my children left home - both are in their 20s - I just haven't the heart to bother with most it.

'Last year my husband and I ordered a curry and sat in the front of the telly watching old episodes of Inspector Morse.

'I'm ashamed to say I didn't even get a tree.'

A spokesman for M&Ms - to promote the launch of its M&M'S Hollow Santa - said: 'A whole raft of Christmas traditions including pennies in puddings, carol singing and sending cards could soon be consigned to history.

'Our study suggests that British adults are dispensing with the old and embracing the new as they look to make their own festive traditions.'