The Handbook Team’s Festive Traditions
The end of the year is here, and The Handbook team is excited to celebrate all it has to offer. While we love sinking our teeth into the latest news, trends, and openings, there are some things we think are important to keep the same year on here. Here, we share the festive traditions we look forward to each year (kitted out in matching Chelsea Peers pyjamas, because why not?)…
“My brother and I grew up super close with our two cousins, they are practically 2 more siblings. Every Christmas, we try and find a photo of us from when we were kids and recreate it. From first days at school, to old school 90s style photoshoots – it’s a tradition I love!” — Elle, Venue Partnerships Manager
Every Christmas, we try and find a photo of us from when we were kids and recreate it. From first days at school, to old school 90s style photoshoots – it’s a tradition I love!
Elle
“My family is big on making our own Christmas sweets and, coming from a Goan/Anglo-Indian background, we usually have an assortment of sweet and savoury snacks that are quite different from the ones you get in the UK. My favourites are kulkuls (shell-shaped dough that’s fried in ghee or oil and coated in sugar) and guava cheese (made from guava, sugar, and butter to form a soft, fudgy sweet).” — Andrea, Food, Culture & Lifestyle Writer
“It may not be the most original Christmas tradition, but nothing else quite shouts ‘festive season’ like wobbling your way around an ice rink. Every year, I swear I skate worse while my kids glide circles around me, leaving me clutching the barrier and pulling on strangers for support. But it’s tradition, and there’s no skipping it on our festive outings list. And, of course, the real reward? That gloriously hot, can’t-feel-your-face hot chocolate afterwards.” — Tamara, Contributing Beauty Editor
“Putting up the tree in our matching family pyjamas, Bagel [pictured right] our dachshund included! The decoration ritual is a big deal in our house. We buy our tree a week in advance and leave it soaking in a bucket in our garden to help it last. The morning of decoration day, we bring it in and let the boughs drop, before getting started in earnest that evening. No one is allowed near the ornaments until they have their team festive pjs on and we timelapse the whole thing – which always gets posted to my Instagram, contrary to my husband’s protests.” — Robyn, Managing Director
Putting up the tree in our matching family pyjamas – Bagel our dachshund included! The decoration ritual is a big deal in our house.
Robyn
“I try and book a trip to Sydney to visit the family most Christmases before celebrating New Year and watching fireworks on the harbour. But one thing that never changes, whether I’m home or away, is popping a bottle of fizz to toast my loved ones (and sharing a funny photo with them if it’s from afar).” — Natasha, Digital Editor
“Making mince pies on Christmas Eve, Michael Bublé in the background with a mulled wine in hand is the perfect way to get in the Christmas spirit at home and ensure there are plenty available to graze on over the festive period!” — Harriet, Head Of Partnerships
“I’m not sure how this started exactly – I think it was when I was around 12, and my parents went into the neighbours for a drink and I was left alone in charge of the TV. But now, every Christmas Eve I have to watch King Kong. It’s usually quite busy so I don’t get to start the film until close to midnight, and it’s over 3 hours long, so I’ve only ever actually finished it once or twice. But I have to at least make an effort.” — Patrick, Editorial Assistant
Every Christmas Eve I have to watch King Kong. It’s usually quite busy so I don’t get to start the film until close to midnight, and it’s over 3 hours long, so I’ve only ever actually finished it once or twice.
Patrick
“We all decorate the Christmas tree together as a family with Christmas songs on full blast and adults with a glass of nice champagne in hand, we have the fire lit and we always do it in the evening with kids in pjs. It’s always a special moment.” — Elly, Founder & CEO
“On the 1st December, the Christmas fairy (AKA me!) delivers advent calendars and festive PJs to all the family. In truth, this morning is almost as exciting as Christmas morning. From this moment on, the house becomes a cosy grotto bursting with oodles of decorations, cinnamon-scented candles wafting and, dare I say it, Hallmark movies on repeat.” — Ashling, Contributing Style & Interiors Editor
“Every year on Christmas Eve, my family and I put on matching Christmas pyjamas and watch The Grinch around the tree. It’s just the perfect festive evening to get us in the Christmas spirit before the big day.” — Libby, Social Media Intern
“We start the day with a dog walk in festive Christmas pyjamas, then change into something with a touch of sparkle for the day.” — India, Client Account Manager
“I usually like to take a walk on Christmas Day before dinner through the local park to get that winter vibe, while listening to Xmas tunes on headphones (Christmas Wrapping by The Waitresses is the best)- and then later watch a Christmassy film like The Muppet’s Christmas Carol or Gremlins”. — Rufus, Contributing Entertainment Writer
My mum always makes a traditional trifle using my great-grandmother’s recipe – SO much better than a Christmas pudding.
Astrid
“My mum always makes a traditional trifle using my great-grandmother’s recipe – SO much better than a Christmas pudding.” — Astrid, Contributing Fashion & Lifestyle Editor
“Every Christmas, I head to California to visit my family, and it’s always such a treat. We start the day with a beach walk, and depending on who’s hosting, we’ll either help prepare a big Christmas lunch with all the trimmings – including candied yams (don’t knock it till you try it) – or make the rounds to each relative’s house. Afterwards, we open presents and dive into the games. My brother always brings along some niche new game he’s discovered—and, of course, always wins. As the drinks flow, keeping up with the rules gets harder, but that just makes it more fun.” — Sydney, Social Media Manager
“For me, Christmas is all about family and trying to make it feel like it did when I was a kid, so I love to spend the holiday at my grandparents, as that’s where I mainly spent it growing up. At my grandparents’ house, there are some fairy lights that sing Christmas songs loudly whenever you turn them on. But, due to the dodgy switch, the lights can start singing ‘Jingle Bells’ at any time of the day, sometimes waking everyone up with no notice.” — Imogen, Junior Graphic Designer
Feeling festive? Check out our dedicated Christmas edit, featuring everything from party fashion and beauty inspo, to food & drink recommendations, wintery getaways, and ways to make your home feel to seasonal.
