Derided, disguised and often dumped in favour of its rivals, the Brussels sprout could not be blamed for feeling a little out in the cold.
But it may have found a natural home in the north-east, where almost six out of 10 people (57%) said they enjoyed the leafy green at this time of year.
In research carried out by Aberdeen’s Robert Gordon University, it also emerged that 7% of those asked had never tried the humble sprout, which is the miniature member of the cabbage family.
RGU carried out an online poll to illuminate our festive customs in a light-hearted exercise in the run-up to the holiday season. Putting up a Christmas tree remains a cornerstone of the festivities for the vast majority, with 90% of those in the north-east having the traditional decoration light up their homes.
Artificial trees remain by far the most popular with 59% having a fake fir in the home, with over one third plumping for a natural pine. Just one-in-10 said they would have no tree at all. Stars perch on just over half the trees in the north east, with 24% choosing a Christmas angel.
Principal of RGU, Professor Ferdinand von Prondzynski, said the poll has helped to identify several key Christmas behavioural trends in the north-east.
He said: “The festive poll has certainly captured our online community’s imagination and the results have shed light on a number of questions like the popularity of Brussels sprouts and whether or not people believe it will snow this Christmas.”
While a white Christmas may be the ultimate festive gift, those in the north-east remain largely pessimistic that they won’t be opening the curtains to a snowy blanket on the 25th. More than half believe it will be business as usual on the weather front on the big day.
Christmas movies will be favoured by almost all in the north-east with Elf remaining the most popular choice. One quarter of those asked are due to enjoy Will Ferrell’s festive caper with 14% opting for Jimmy Stewart’s It’s a Wonderful Life.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Home Alone, Miracle on 34th Street, Arthur Christmas and Bad Santa were all named as holiday favourites.