We’re excited to kick off this festive series with Annabelle, who lives in a cosy 2-bedroom flat in Suffolk with her young son. Annabelle’s love for the festive season involves creating lasting memories with her son which they can enjoy year after year.
What is your favourite Christmas tradition, and why is it special to you?
“I have so many favourite Christmas traditions and they’ve grown so much, especially now my son’s of an age where he understands the magic of Christmas! From decorating our home, eating delicious food, visiting Father Christmas to putting milk, cookies and carrots out for Father Christmas and his reindeer on the night of Christmas eve.”
What’s your favourite part of the Christmas dinner?
“Well this entirely depends on how the roast potatoes crisp. If they’ve cooked perfectly and are soft and fluffy on the inside encapsulated by a deep golden crisp then they are the epitome of the perfect Christmas dinner. If the roast potatoes do not go to plan though, then it’s all about the pigs in blankets!”
Can you share a favourite Christmas memory that stands out for you?
“Last year was the first time my son really interacted with Father Christmas when we visited him. Seeing his eyes light up with excitement while having an in-depth conversation with Father Christmas made my heart burst.”
What does a typical Christmas day look like for you?
“We wake-up and run straight to the Christmas tree to see if Father Christmas has brought our presents, then spend hours unwrapping gifts and playing with new toys (whilst I obviously pop forwards and backwards to the kitchen to check on the meat as it cooks away).
Then we put on Christmas films (normally the Grinch or Elf) and begin eating our weight in treats. Around 1pm we sit together and eat Christmas dinner then we continue playing with toys and games whilst Christmas music plays in the background.
In the evening family get together and have a buffet of left overs and playing games and exchanging more gifts. Wherever we are it’s always a wonderful day filled with laughter, love and happiness.”
What’s one thing you’d recommend others do to make their Christmas extra special?
“Never put pressure on yourself for it to be “perfect” or lavish. That will take the magic away from the day. Just be happy being surrounded by loved ones, and if you don’t have any family to spend the day with reach out to a neighbour or friend. I’m sure they’ll be more than happy for you to join them for the day.
Also it’s not worth building up debts for just one day. Shop about for deals, look on apps like vinted and Facebook marketplace for second hand gifts (especially for children). You can find some amazing toy bundles for a percentage of the price of brand new!”
How do you celebrate Christmas with your neighbours and friends?
“My home is always open for people to pop by, whether it’s for a hot chocolate with all the trimmings, homemade mince pies and sausage rolls, or just for a cuppa. I believe Christmas is about quality time together and showing peace and love to all.”
A final note from Annabel
“Society and the media put so much pressure on us to have the “perfect” Christmas. Children won’t remember whether the day was Instagram worthy or not. They’ll remember the quality time you spend together and laughter you make. Whether it’s a post-Christmas dinner walk as a family, making paper chains and decorations together or baking cookies for Father Christmas they’ll be the moments remembered. So, prioritise core memory making this year instead of an aesthetically pleasing Christmas display.”
We’d love to hear about your Christmas traditions! Share your festive stories with us by tagging us @orbithelp on Facebook. And for all things festive, don’t forget to visit our Festive Fun page, where you'll find Christmas recipes, family-friendly films, quizzes, puzzles for the kids, and much more to get you into the holiday spirit.
