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In general, authorities focused on regulating public morals rather than intruding on private lives, but this "middle course," with or without a mince pie ban, still provoked resistance and fury that often turned to violence.

Throughout the Twelve Days, people shared traditional mince pies with friends and family, eating a mixture within that contained 13 ingredients representing Christ and his apostles.

Aside from the middle aisle, Mr McDonnell said there had been a lot of early spend on mince pies, party food and panettone.

Sainsbury's sold record numbers of pigs in blankets, mince pies and sparkling wine, over the festive period, it has said.

"However, mince pies and Christmas puddings did buck the trend. They were less popular this year," he added.