December in Review: Merry & Bright

December always feels like a month wrapped in warmth — festive cheer, birthdays, and the company of friends near and far.

Instead of jetting off for “crimbo” to Lanzarote, Morocco, or Tuscany as we’ve done in the past, we stayed in London. And what a gift that turned out to be. We spent the month surrounded by London-based friends and beloved visitors — all ex-Londoners — who flew in from Zurich and New Jersey. Our home felt full, lively, and wonderfully festive, all thanks to “Clark Griswold” aka Kenz. 

Our celebrations began, as always, on Advent Sunday. Each day brought a small treat: a Star Wars figurine for Lady Yeya, Pixar mini-Funkos for Kenz, an F&M Gin Box for me, and chocolates for the whole family. Office parties, nativity plays, and winter fairs added to the joyful build-up.

Hosting Friends for Merry, Merry Cheers

With Christmas décor tucked into nearly every nook and cranny, we loved opening our home to friends and family. About seven families popped by throughout the month for drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and desserts. The menus were a delicious parade: slow-cooked Greek-style lamb; umami-rich udon and dumplings; ham sliders with mac ’n’ cheese; a Spanish tapas brunch; and a BBQ brisket feast for our American crew.

To keep to tradition, it was salmon wellington for Christmas Eve. Then it was a Prime Rib Roast for Christmas Day with friends stopped by for sticky toffee pudding. On New Year’s Eve, we bid an adieu to 2025 with fresh oysters, sashimi, tuna poke bowls, and plenty of champagne with our friends — the perfect way to toast the year ahead. We continued with a seafood theme for New Year’s Day with mussels in white wine sauce and shrimp pasta. Needless to say, there were a lot of good eats – and expanding waistlines – during the festive season. 

December Birthdays

December also brings birthday joy. We kicked off Kenz’s celebrations early with a fab date night at the 90s RnB Ball. On his actual birthday, we enjoyed our favourite family dinner: sushi and sashimi.

We also celebrated a dear friend with a cosy pub lunch followed by drinks at her beautiful home. And Lady Yeya hosted a sleepover for her own December‑birthday friend – complete with Mario Wonders and a stop to our local pizzeria. Simple, sweet, and full of laughter.

Christmassy London

No city does Christmas quite like London — elegant, sparkling, and endlessly charming. The festive lights on Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Bond Street never fail to impress. The iconic Christmas trees in Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden, and St. James add their own magic. From Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park to the Winter Garden at Beckenham Place Park, the city is lively with festive markets that make December feel festive.

One of my favourite traditions is ice skating, and this year’s outing to the Queen’s House in Greenwich was unforgettable. Under perfect blue skies, we skated with views of Canary Wharf and Greenwich Park — a truly magical moment.

Another family favourite is catching a panto or show. We booked A Christmas Carol at the Old Vic ages ago as a special family treat. Then later we added The Elf when our New Jersey friends planned their Crimbo‑week visit.

In all, December in London was filled with magical memories, heartfelt moments, and the joy of spending time with dear friends who fill our hearts. We’re deeply grateful for everything 2025 brought us and excited for all that 2026 has in store.

Happy New Year!