It’s that magical time of the year again—my absolute favorite season! The Christmas tree is up, twinkling fairy lights are glowing, and the house smells like pine, cookies, and a tiny hint of burnt toast (don’t ask). Christmas is all about celebrating love, laughter, and togetherness, and I can’t wait to share some of my Christmas faves with you.
From festive home decor to baking traditions, gift ideas, and capturing special memories, let’s dive into what makes this season so wonderful. And because I know life gets a little crazy during the holidays, I’ve added some fun tips, recipes, and even a once-in-a-lifetime offer to sprinkle a little extra joy into your holiday season.
🎀 Deck Your Halls with a Festive Touch
I have to confess, I’m a sucker for Christmas decorations! There’s just something about a beautifully dressed home that instantly lifts the mood. This year, I found the most fabulous big red bow for my front door—it’s bold, bright, and absolutely unmissable. And here’s the best part: it’s from K-Mart and costs just $12! Bargain, right?
If you’re like me and love to keep it simple but striking, this is a must-have. Pop it on your front door and voilà—instant festive charm. I even caught my neighbor taking a sneaky photo of it the other day (don’t worry, I let them in on my secret source).
🍪 A Sweet Tradition: Baking Peanut Crisps
Let’s talk about one of my favorite holiday traditions—baking! Every year, I whip out my Mum’s old Country Women’s Association cookbook and get busy making her famous peanut crisps. It’s a recipe that’s been passed down through the family, and it’s a great activity to do with the kids.
Peanut Crisps Recipe
- Mix the following ingredients in one bowl:
- 1 cup sifted self-raising flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 113g melted butter
- 1 beaten egg
- ¾ cup salted peanuts
- Place spoonfuls of the mixture onto a greased baking tray.
- Bake in a moderate oven for 10 minutes.
- Allow to cool—leave them chewy for soft cookies or bake a little longer for a crunchier bite.
It’s quick, easy, and so much fun. Plus, it makes the house smell amazing. Bonus: these cookies make great little gifts if you wrap them in festive cellophane with a ribbon.
Gift Idea for Little Chefs
Looking for the perfect Christmas gift for your mini bakers? Check out RellieBellieKids on Etsy. They create the most adorable personalized aprons and chef hats, adding an extra touch of magic to your family baking sessions.
📸 Make Holiday Memories Last Forever
As a family photographer, I believe that the best gifts are the ones that preserve your most precious moments. This Christmas, I’m offering a very special promotion to help you create timeless memories with your loved ones.
With my LOVE30YEARS promo, available until 31st December 2024, you’ll receive:
- A stunning 30x30cm acrylic block (valued at $595)
- 30% off my new Moda blaK collection
- All the proofs from our shoot—priceless treasures to look back on
Don’t miss this opportunity to capture the love and joy of your family during the holidays.
🎁 Capturing Christmas Joy
Now, let’s talk about the magic of family photography. Every year, I have the privilege of photographing hundreds of Brisbane families, and I absolutely love seeing the unique dynamics and love in every session. There’s something extra special about Christmas shoots—the kids are buzzing with excitement, the parents are full of festive spirit (and maybe a little caffeine), and the photos always radiate pure joy.
If you’re wondering whether now is the time for your family photos, let me assure you—it is. Don’t wait for the “perfect moment” (spoiler: it doesn’t exist). Come as you are, messy hair, mismatched socks, and all. Those little imperfections are what make your family uniquely yours, and they’re what you’ll treasure most when you look back on these memories in years to come.
More of My Christmas Faves
Aside from baking and decorating, here are a few more of my holiday favorites:
- Christmas music on repeat: Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas Is You is a classic, but I’ve also been loving some jazzy instrumental versions this year. Great for setting a cozy vibe.
- Cheesy Christmas movies: There’s nothing like curling up on the couch with the family and watching Home Alone or Elf.
- Christmas markets: If you’re in Brisbane, make sure to check out the South Bank Christmas markets—they’re full of unique gift ideas and festive fun.
Christmas Faves: The Gift of Memories
As we wrap up this festive blog, I want to leave you with one thought: Christmas isn’t about the presents or the perfect decorations. It’s about the moments we create with the people we love. From baking cookies with the kids to laughing at Dad’s terrible jokes, these are the memories that truly matter.
This holiday season, I hope you get to enjoy your own version of Christmas magic. Whether it’s through decorating, baking, gifting, or simply spending time together, make it count. And if you’re ready to create timeless family portraits, I’d be honored to capture those moments for you.
