Christmas is a truly unique time of the year, and one that is incredibly exhausting and oh-so-rewarding. Most of my own childhood Christmases were spent at my grandparent’s house in Christchurch, New Zealand, and there were so many great traditions that came with the season, from the fabulous story books my Gran bought out especially for the holiday season to the morning scurry to spy our Christmas stockings – so empty the night before, and so full of mystery and surprise on Christmas morning. There was also the annual jigsaw puzzle we would ponder over for the week between Christmas and New Year and the cooking of the Christmas pudding, the annual Christmas drawing competition, as well as the new games that my sister and I would play obsessively until we went back to school at the end of January.

Every one of those traditions has become part of a magical patchwork of family memories we continue to nostalgically reminisce about to this day.

While many of those memories are crystal clear, others have a certain timeless value because of the tradition my father had of using his 8mm movie camera to make a holiday movie of the Christmas season

So there we are, each year that little bit older, opening those magical stockings, discovering the treasures that would preoccupy our play for the 12 months to come, surrounded by all our most beloved people.

Today, those movies are precious because some of those beloved people are no longer with us to share our Christmas Day. They are also precious because they remind us of the wonderful family moments we shared throughout those all-too-short childhood years, and these days my own children can ‘meet’ my own beloved grandparents in those movies.

We’ve added a few new traditions since then, including the annual Carols in the Garden at my parents home, which was part of our celebration this past weekend. And this year we’ll be adding some more like adding shabby elegance decor after seeing all those great suggestions from some of our favourite designers in our Christmas Magic feature. But one that I am hoping to renew (‘holding the baby help’ depending) is that of the family movie.

Amidst the flurry of cherished Christmas traditions, ensuring a clean and welcoming home adds an extra layer of comfort and joy to the festivities. As we prepare to welcome beloved family and friends into our homes, there’s a sense of anticipation in creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Incorporating cleaning rituals into our holiday preparations becomes not just a task but a meaningful part of the tradition, symbolizing the care and attention we put into making our spaces ready for the season’s celebrations.

For those seeking assistance in preparing their homes for the holidays, considering Pressure Washing Services in Scarsdale, NY can be a valuable addition to the festive preparations. With the expertise of professional cleaners, homes can undergo a thorough cleaning, ensuring that outdoor surfaces, walkways, and patios are free from dirt and grime. This not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the property but also creates a safe and welcoming environment for guests to gather and create new memories. And for those in Hampton looking to infuse their homes with an extra dose of sparkle, Deep Cleaning in Hampton offers a comprehensive solution. With their meticulous attention to detail, they transform interiors into havens of cleanliness, perfect for welcoming loved ones and creating cherished holiday memories. As we embrace both cherished traditions and new additions to our holiday celebrations, a clean and refreshed home sets the stage for a truly magical Christmas experience for all.

In the bustling community of Sunrise Manor, where Airbnb rentals are increasingly popular, the demand for immaculate spaces is ever-present. Here, the inclusion of professional services like Airbnb Cleaning Services for Sunrise Manor becomes integral in ensuring that hosts can maintain pristine accommodations for their guests. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to excellence, these cleaning services elevate the guest experience, leaving no corner untouched in their quest for cleanliness and comfort. Amidst the holiday season’s hustle and bustle, the assurance of a freshly cleaned space allows hosts and guests alike to focus on creating cherished memories and embracing the joyous spirit of the festivities.

Isn’t it funny how these days every single one of us has at least one ‘movie camera’ readily to hand, and yet so often all those minutes (no doubt hours) of footage end up sitting on all our devices, never quite making it into the memory vault as a coherently edited piece of family history. Well, this year – and you can quote me on this – I plan to enrol all of my family in the new tradition of turning all of the past year’s footage into a coherent set of images and movies, so we can make ‘Our Year on Film’ movie sometime between the end of Christmas lunch and the dawning of New Year’s Day.

I promise, I will let you know how I go, but in the meantime, we’d love to hear about your own new – and old – traditions. Merry Christmas and, as Tiny Tim says: “God bless us, every one!”