Christmas is often associated with traditions, but what if this year, you chose to celebrate the season in a way that feels truly your own? Whether you’re feeling the weight of holiday expectations or simply want to try something different, the possibilities for a more personal and meaningful celebration are endless.
This year, we’ve drawn inspiration from three uniquely expressive individuals: poet and actor Greta Bellamacina, musician and songwriter Rohan Heath, and flower farmer Milli Proust. Each has graciously welcomed us into their homes to share the uncommon threads that shape their distinctive approaches to the festive season.
1. Curate a festive atmosphere that truly reflects you and your family
Forget the pressure to stick to traditional red and green; let your surroundings reflect your unique story. As Greta Bellamacina beautifully puts it, Christmas is a chance to embrace mood and meaning. When we spoke with her about the traditions she’s creating within her family, she shared how personal touches can transform a space. This year, for example, Greta chose to adorn her Christmas tree with soft, shimmery pink ribbons instead of the usual red. The vibrant pink adds a playful, unexpected twist while warming up a room that initially felt a bit too cold. Greta loves how the ribbon catches and reflects the light, creating a warm, inviting glow. She explains, “I like to bring as many warm tones into the house as possible – reds, golds, pinks – but I also leave room for the unexpected and fun little details.”
For Greta, Christmas is very much about personal traditions. “It’s less about spending and more about appreciating what we have,” she says. Every year, she and her family forage for greenery and hang holly, ivy and mistletoe gathered from the garden and nearby countryside. Decorations from previous years – each one holding memories – are brought out and hung up, making the space feel like a family album. “I like to save as much from the previous year as possible,” Greta shares, “so it sort of becomes a collection of time, passed down year after year.”
Greta’s approach is all about making the holiday feel natural, personal, and lived-in, with imperfections adding to the charm. It’s not about achieving a picture-perfect look, but rather creating a space that feels organic, reflective of family memories, and full of meaning.
2. Embrace or devise new personal traditions
For Rohan Heath and his partner Lou Rhodes, both musicians and songwriters, music is the heart and soul of their Christmas celebrations. Music brings people together and elevates every moment – whether big or small – transforming even the most mundane tasks into something magical. At Christmas, Rohan says, music becomes less about making it and much more about listening and relaxing to it. Traditional carols don’t feature as much as they did in Rohan’s childhood, when his dad would play them on the piano. However, his daughters continue that tradition, enjoying the cheesier ones the most!
Music has a special way of anchoring the spirit of the season. Whether it’s listening to your favourite festive playlist, creating your own mix, or even having an impromptu jam session with loved ones, music can redefine how we celebrate. This could be the year you make music your tradition – whether that’s writing a Christmas song, learning a new instrument, or simply curating a playlist that speaks to your own festive spirit.
Festive food is one area where you can truly embrace your own tastes and traditions, without feeling bound by the usual holiday fare. Each of the families we spent time with shared how they’ve developed their own personal rituals when it comes to the festive menu. For Greta and husband Robert, the big day always starts with stockings and a slice of panettone, while Christmas Day lunch is a vegetarian Indian feast they either prepare themselves or order in. And for Milli, Christmas Eve marks the beginning of the family’s celebrations with a relaxed supper of cheese on toast.
This Christmas, make space for what truly matters. Instead of being caught up in external pressures, why not prioritise the simpler moments and give time to take the opportunity to craft your own set of rituals? Whether it’s a walk through winter fields with friends or a late-night storytelling session by candlelight, embracing personal activities can be just as meaningful as a crowded and overflowing dinner table. The important thing is to do what brings most value and enjoyment to you and those close to you.
3. Making time for handcrafted, personalised gifts
Florist and flower farmer Milli Proust comes from a family of crafters with each bringing their particular skills to the family’s exchange of gifts. It’s a much treasured family tradition that brings echoes of the Christmases of her childhood. Her mother, a primary school art teacher, makes a handmade ornament every year, each one either personal to that year or traditionally festive. Milli treasures this growing collection as a meaningful reflection of time. She also incorporates her own botanically dyed ribbons into her Christmas tree décor, adding a personal and artistic touch.
When time is short, Milli keeps things simple yet impactful. She suggests arranging a few evergreens, like bay branches or rosemary, in a large vase. Not only do they look stunning and architectural, but they also fill the room with a beautiful scent. Even without a garden, shop-bought herbs can last for weeks in water – offering a cost-effective, aromatic alternative to imported flowers.
4. Create your own peaceful retreat
Not everyone enjoys the hustle and bustle of Christmas. For those who appreciate solitude, make sure you allow yourself a quiet, reflective space where you can unwind and recharge. We often give so much of our selves and our time to others during the holidays, but forget to give ourselves the gift of rest. Creating space to recharge is an essential part of a meaningful Christmas. Whether that means taking a quiet evening for yourself with a good book or spending time alone in a calming corner of your home, Find peace in stillness in your favourite corner of a favourite room, and find time for the activities that bring you relaxation, be that reading, cooking, or soaking in a long bath.
Wrapping Up Your Uncommon Christmas
This Christmas, take the opportunity to celebrate in a way that truly reflects who you are. By embracing new traditions, personalising your gifts, and creating a unique atmosphere, you can make this season unforgettable. Let the wisdom of Greta, Rohan, and Milli guide you towards a holiday filled with creativity, self-expression, and peace. After all, Christmas is not about following the rules – it’s about making the season your own.
