When Jack Wills asked me to share my Christmas traditions, I wasn’t sure I even had any. However, it turns out there are lots of little things that my Christmas wouldn’t be complete without. This year we’re spending Christmas Day with my Fiance’s family which is rather exciting as my Mother in Law to be just happens to make the most amazing desserts (and roasties, yorkshire puds, pigs in blankets, gravy, I could go on) in the land. What wedding diet? However, a change of location doesn’t mean my favourite Christmas traditions will be abandoned. We may celebrate Christmas Day in different houses each year but there are some things that are constant and I wouldn’t change them for the world. Here’s my little list of Christmas traditions…
Champers at Selfridges
Every year I spend a full day at the Trafford Centre buying presents for my loved ones (I may or may not treat myself to a couple of things too). However one of the highlights is always a glass of bubbles at the Champagne bar in the food hall and a slice of banoffe cheesecake with my BFF.
Table Presents
Last year my other half and I hosted Christmas dinner and my favourite part of it was creating the perfect Christmas table. My Mum and I have always had a tradition of buying each person around the table a mini gift and last year was the first time I got to buy my Mum one as she usually hosts Christmas dinner so never buys one for herself. (It was marzipan sprouts from Selfridges in case you were wondering).
A Real Tree
One of my favourite parts about the run up to Christmas is decorating the tree. I always opt for the shortest fattest tree available and then proceed to be shocked when it takes up half the living room.
Present Wrapping Night
About a week before Christmas, my Mum bundles through the door armed with ribbons and wrapping paper and we wrap gifts together while sipping on mulled wine and listen to a few festive songs. It’s at this time of the year that I really start to get excited about the festive season and well, wrapping gifts is always more fun with wine.
Christmas Cocktails
Each year I create a christmassy cocktail that we ply guests with should they pop over for a festive tipple. Last year’s cocktail was a fairly standard mix of champagne and chambord with a dollop of berry sorbet. It was inspired by this little gem that I found in Harvey Nichols in Edinburgh. Look! One of your five a day!
The Christmas Onesie
This is a fairly new tradition but it’s fast becoming one of my favourites! My Marks and Spencer onesie was a present from my fiance’s parents last year and it’s super cosy.
Scrambled Eggs and Smoked Salmon
We are early risers on Christmas morning so a hearty breakfast is essential. Smoked Salmon just so happens to be my signature dish (the only thing that I can confidently cook that won’t kill people) and it’s a tradition my Mum and I have enjoyed since I can remember.
What are your Christmas traditions?
*This post was written in collaboration with Jack Wills.
Love your wrapping.. paper bows and bells. I should really take note for next year. :/
I recently did a similar themed post and was amazing writing to all and reading it back through.Sometimes you don’t realise what your traditions are till you think about them. 🙂 Is nice having them, especially ones with family. 🙂
I’d love to have a real tree, but with our little boy running around, it’ll be a few years yet.