From the Christmas Eve drinks party to cosy mornings exchanging presents and a dressed-up festive lunch, the Agyemang family show us how they’re styling Christmas this year
For most people in the UK, Christmas is going to look a little different this year but that doesn’t mean that we can’t still make it special. Just look at all the households who put their decorations up early – they’re sending out a sign that, after the year we’ve had, we’re all ready for some joy, some festive fun, some sparkle.
How will you celebrate? What are the old traditions that make your Christmas special? And what are the new traditions that you plan to introduce (and dress up for) this year? We asked the Agyemang family – Bevan, Feven, Halo and River – from Newington Green in London to share the moments that will light up their Christmas and maybe spark some ideas for yours.
‘This year is likely to be low key,’ says dad Bevan. ‘It'll be the first year for a while where we won't be dropping in on our extended family but staying rooted at home and inviting grandparents over.’ For the Agyemangs, Christmas is a time to reflect on family life. ‘It's probably the one part of the year where everyone stops to make time for each other physically,’ says Bevan. ‘Mentally we try to be there for each other but sometimes just a hug can make a difference in our lives. We all get caught up in the day to day of life but Christmas reminds us to re-evaluate things.‘
Make the night before Christmas extra decadent and host a cocktail-style party with festive canapes, wine and cheeses. Maybe the kids can open a present early – or you could do a Christmas Eve box – and you can all take the opportunity to dress up for the occasion. Feven wears Ghost’s vintage-inspired Luna dress in festive red with Toolally's art deco-style earrings for added glamour. Meanwhile, men can have a tuxedo moment – Bevan wears Kin’s Navy velvet tux-style blazer and black trousers. The simple white T-shirt does a great job of adding a casual touch.
Give the kids a chance to dress up, too – Halo, 8, and River, 3, are both wearing pieces from the Heirloom collection. River’s adorable heritage tartan dress is a timeless festive look straight out of a Christmas card, while Halo’s Argyle knit jumper looks dapper and cosy worn with smart trousers.
“We usually have a Christmas Eve party, inviting my Ghanaian relatives and Feven’s Eritrean family. This year it won’t be possible but the sentiment still lives on in our hearts.”
And then it’s Christmas morning! Hopefully there will be presents under the tree and that lovely feeling of anticipation for the day ahead. You could even opt to wear matching family festive PJs like the Agyemangs. Whether you go matching or not, this is definitely your cosy moment (more ideas for Christmas kids pyjamas here. It’s the perfect excuse to snuggle up, have yummy hot chocolate (or your preferred morning tipple) and prepare to open the presents.
“The morning is about being cosy, which warms the heart and mind. We have a family breakfast and exchange gifts before expressing everything we’re grateful for.”
Did you remember to defrost the turkey? Phew! Once that panic’s out of the way, it’s time to turn our attention towards the biggest meal of the year. At the Agyemang household, everyone pitches in to help. Our friends over at Waitrose have everything you need to make your Best Christmas Lunch Ever, and lots of inspiration for what to cook and how to cook it.
To make it extra stylish, you could go all out with your table centrepiece. Then there’s the ‘what to wear?’ dilemma. Do you stay in those cosy pyjamas or make the effort to dress up? Feven plans to do the latter, with this standout Whistles sequined co-ord (it wouldn’t be Christmas without a few sequins, would it?). Meanwhile, Bevan is demonstrating the can’t-go-wrong appeal of a suave polo knit, wearing this merino Bordeaux piece from Reiss.
“Later we focus our attention on the Christmas dinner. And, because there has been little to dress up for this year, we'll definitely put an effort into what we wear.”
It may still be a holiday, but Boxing Day is thankfully nowhere near as intense as Christmas Day. It can be the perfect day to sit down and watch some festive TV or a classic Christmas movie. Cinephiles and/or tech heads might want to turn their attention to setting up their own home cinema.
For food and fashion it really is a case of ‘what are you in the mood for?’ Some families opt for a mini Christmas Day re-run with another lavish roast, for others it’s time for a retro Boxing Day buffet or – best of all – the Turkey curry.
The Agyemangs like to have another festive lunch with all the trimmings and then embark on that other Boxing Day stalwart: the family walk. As for what to wear, smart-casual is the order of the day, with Feven opting for cream Levi’s and a seasonally appropriate minimalist red cotton jumper from Kin and some statement earrings to keep things festive.
“After lunch we normally take an extended family walk with the dog across the uncluttered streets.”
For dad and the kids, Boxing Day is also a more casual affair, with Bevan wearing a retro-inspired zip-through woollen jumper and checked wool trousers, both by Reiss. While the kids are ready for action in their jeans and jumper combos, with a festive spin. We love the folksy vibes of Halo’s cosy orange knit and girls will adore River’s sequin-embellished style. Have a happy Christmas everyone!
