Christmas… 2020

I love the magic of Christmas. And I would love to share my own festive traditions during this holiday season. However, this year, Christmas will be very different for many of us. The pandemic has really changed the way we live, work and play — and how we spend the holidays. I struggle to get into a festive mood. It has been a tough year for myself and my family. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020. I am lucky to have received treatment during COVID-times. That’s a blessing!

Normally, I love to spread some Christmas cheer and sandy vibes through the Christmas period. With all the gloom and doom that overshadows the festive period, I decided to celebrate the season to welcome a better time to come, a 2021 that will be filled with joy, family and friends and all the little things that matter in life. I would love to share my Christmas and festive traditions with you to spread a little joy and happiness.

With the holidays being a very different experience in 2020, I adopted a slow living approach.

It has been an unsettling year, but I have come to appreciate the perfection of something being perfectly imperfect - wabi-sabi style.

MY COASTAL CHRISTMAS THEME

I tend to mix and match various coastal ornaments like seashells, sea fans, starfish, ‘pearly’ ornaments mixed with burlap and natural elements to incorporate my coastal décor into a Christmas theme. This creates a casual yet sophisticated décor in our coastal inspired home.

I find that driftwood is essential when it comes to creating a homage to the coastal way of living... I use spotlight colour ornaments in seafoam and soft blues with turquoise-tinged glass to tie in my coastal décor, crisp white and washed out greys as well as a little glistening of gold to give our home a magical flair. Unique and handmade designs are the perfect ingredients for creating a stylish setting. A coastal-themed bowl filled with seashells looks especially joyful when white starfish sit atop a pile of teal glass ornaments.

I always source a real Christmas tree which I powder with snow leaving enough of the pine to bring the white to life. I love natural and muted coastal accents in my Christmas decor, antique touches of warm golds with rustic artisan finishes paired with matte white finishes.

Traditions bond us closer together; they create memories that will last a lifetime; they give us something to look forward to and something to remember.

With the pandemic taking over our lives this year, Christmas will be different for everyone, especially for people who might have to learn to embrace ‘alone time’. But I think it is important to hold on to some of the familiar traditions that we’ve loved and cherished for generations.

Get back to your roots and learn to take joy in traditions. Pause, reflect and enjoy the holidays after a really difficult year, and look forward to better times to come. Traditions have a strong place in my heart. They provide comfort, make you feel safe, they help nurture us and allow you to bond with loved ones. Here are some of my customs that and that I have adopted over the years.

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As they say, the pleasure lies not in the cookies, but in the pattern the crumbs make when the cookies crumble. Baking cookies is a favourite tradition of mine because it spans generations and started many years ago when my mum taught me how to make German cookies.

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I try and find one special keepsake ornament each year. Over the years, they tell a story…

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“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” Creativity is a powerful tool for changing inner states. I make creativity an intentional act... (if you don’t make time for creativity, it won’t happen). Last year I took up macraweaving. This year I am making abstract wall art.

I wish you and your loved ones a warm and safe holiday, stay healthy and don’t give up hope. Better times will come. x

USEFUL WEBSITES AND HELPLINES

Many of us may find Christmas difficult this year, for lots of different reasons. If you are concerned about yourself or a loved one, these mental health charities and support groups can offer expert advice.

Mind open Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393

Samaritans offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (free 24-hour helpline)

Rethink Mental Illness offers practical help through its advice line on 0300 5000 927 (Mon-Fri 10am-4pm)

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You Might Also Be Interested In:

>> Make a festive entry

>> Kinfolk, The Art Of Slow Living

>> What Makes a House A Home - Up, Close & Personal

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Drift & Co