As the years have passed and our children have grown, Christmas has taken on a whole new meaning in our family. Gone are the days of frantic wrapping, late-night toy assembly, and that endless rush to “get it all done”. Now, it’s about something far simpler and more meaningful. Its simply about being together and making more good memories.

These days, my goal is to make Christmas easy and happy for everyone. I’m determined not to be that person who walks through the door announcing how exhausted I am. Instead, I plan ahead and accept help freely and gratefully. When friends or family offer to bring food or drinks, I say yes without hesitation. The truth is, it’s not about the show. It’s about creating a space where everyone feels welcome, relaxed, and genuinely happy to be together.

The Joy of Letting Go

One tradition I’ve never embraced is place cards. To me, they send the wrong message as if I’m trying to control every little detail of the day. In reality, the last thing on my mind is control. I want people to sit where they feel most comfortable, to chat with whoever they please, to simply be. There’s a beautiful kind of energy that flows when people choose their own place at the table.

Gifts with Meaning

We still exchange gifts and I can’t see that changing. We love gifts in our house and  I’m married to someone who still loves to surprise everyone with something thoughtful and fun.  With our kids now in their twenties, we look for things that make their lives easier or bring a little daily joy. The excitement of unwrapping something chosen with care never fades, no matter how old they get.

My Favourite Christmas Sight

Every year, one moment always fills me with happiness is seeing our children surrounded by their cousins. They share a bond that runs deeper than friendship. The result of a lifetime of shared memories and laughter. The day always includes lots of food, always a swim and a competitive game of street cricket. Watching them all together laughing and teasing eachother is the true heart of Christmas for me.

Having lived overseas for more than half of our married life, we now find ourselves welcoming the next generation. Our friends’ children are always a welcome addition on Christmas day and this year our eldest daughter will be in England with dear friends and their children. It’s a gift to be able to offer them a place at our table and so comforting to know that our children will also always be welcome guests.

My Favourite Tradition

One thing that never changes is my urge to decorate. It’s the happiest task there is. I’ve never been one for traditional red and green (though I’ll never say never). I love choosing a new colour theme each year to keep things fresh and fun.

This year it’s all about pink, gold and burgundy—rich, joyful and a little bit glamorous. Our clip-on flowers are bigger and more beautiful than ever, and everything is exclusive to Zjoosh, from lush velvet bows to intricate glass baubles, including my favourites that open like tiny treasure chests. Decorating the tree and setting the table isn’t work to me, it’s joy—a way of making the day feel special and celebrating being together.

The True Spirit of the Season

So while Christmas has changed for us over the years, its heart remains the same. It’s about love and connection — and creating a space where everyone feels they belong.

At the end of the day, it’s not about how perfect everything looks. It’s about how it feels. And if it feels relaxed, happy, and full of love, then to me, it’s absolutely perfect.