There’s something about Christmas Eve that always fills me with the same fluttering excitement I felt as a child, that unmistakable mix of glamour, anticipation, and pure joy. In our family, we’ve always celebrated on the evening of the 24th, Swedish-style, which means by the time most people are still peeling potatoes or finishing the wrapping, we’re already clinking glasses and waiting for Father Christmas himself.

By 5pm, the house is twinkling. The tree, my mother’s masterpiece, gleams in golds and reds, each decoration perfectly placed (I’ve long since given up trying to compete). Every year, I take the same photograph of my son, standing in his pajamas, gazing up at it in awe. It’s become our little ritual; a captured moment of stillness before the evening’s magic begins.

While the men look impossibly dapper in velvet jackets, champagne glasses in hand, we nibble on oysters and wait for the knock on the door. And then it happens, that gentle tap tap tap that makes everyone freeze. We rush to the hallway, hearts racing, to find a large sack of presents and, in the distance, a mysterious figure disappearing into the night, lantern swinging. It’s Father Christmas, of course, or rather, the latest family member to don the beautifully old Santa suit that’s been worn by uncles, cousins, and my father before them. It’s a tradition so woven into our family fabric that I can’t imagine Christmas without it.

Once my son’s tucked up in bed, the grown-ups gather by the fire. There’s laughter, more champagne, and the delicious supper that always follows, the perfect, sparkling close to our Christmas Eve.

Christmas Day begins gently,with stockings, lussebullar (also known as saffron buns)  and cinnamon buns over a cosy breakfast, and the smell of coffee filling the house. After a brisk walk in the cold, rosy-cheeked and hungry, we come home to the most glorious Swedish smörgåsbord. Herring, gravadlax, meatballs, ham, red cabbage, potatoes and, of course, aquavit and songs. It’s a wonderfully merry chaos of toasts, laughter and music, the kind that makes your heart swell.

Boxing Day is a big family affair, with aunts, uncles, and cousins everywhere, children running wild, and the unmistakable hum of family togetherness.

And every year, as I look around, I’m reminded just how beautifully my parents have shown us what it means to celebrate, not just Christmas, but life itself. The traditions, the attention to detail, the joy in every ritual, it’s all thanks to them. My mother, in particular, is the beating heart of it all. In her late 70’s and still the chicest woman I know, she is my forever style icon. She has this effortless cool that time simply hasn’t touched. She still wears leather trousers (yes, really) not dissimilar to the Citizens of Humanity, Ayla leather trousers and somehow makes them look as classic as cashmere. There’s something about that looser fit, that relaxed elegance, that makes it so timeless especially when paired with something oversized on top.

So, in her honour, this year’s Festive Edit is a little tribute to her and to the beauty of tradition, Swedish magic, and understated style. I’ve included a few nostalgic favourites.

For The Home: 

The Christmas Goat  
A nod to the Swedish Julbock, the Christmas goat traditionally believed to guard gifts and bring good fortune. Rooted in Nordic folklore, the Julbock symbolises protection, generosity and the spirit of giving. A quiet reminder of the magic and meaning behind the festive season.

Swedish gnomes or tomte. Inspired by Swedish folklore, the tomte is a small but mighty guardian of the home, believed to protect households and bring good fortune throughout the year. These little gnomes were said to watch over families and farms, as long as they were kept happy with a bowl of porridge.

My Festive Style:

The Citizens of Humanity Ayla Leather Trousers
I can’t wait to pair these with an oversized crisp white shirt or a chunky knit and heels. Seeing my mother wear hers with such confidence makes me realise that true style never fades; it just evolves.

Stories Mohair Blend Jumper
I love this soft white and brown Fair Isle pattern, oversized and utterly cosy,perfect for Christmas Day

From the glimmer of a champagne glass to the soft glow of a swinging lantern, these little details old and new make up the tapestry of my Christmas. A celebration of family, style, and the comforting rhythm of tradition. And just like my mother, who wears leather trousers at 78 and still makes them look fabulous, I hope to carry these traditions forward with the same grace, joy, and slightly mischievous sparkle.

Merry Christmas and God Jul!