Here’s a heart-warming collection of stories, memories and festive inspiration from some of our favourite people who celebrate the magic, meaning and joy of the holidays.
Sophie Thompson
For Sophie – a publicist, photographer, community connector and wanderer of landscapes and hearts, who also happens to be affectionately known as The Elf – Christmas has always been magical. “We’re German, so we’ve always celebrated on Christmas Eve,” she says. “Growing up, it wasn’t about gifts – it was about family time.” As the laatlammetjie with three older sisters and two adoring parents, she remembers laughter-filled evenings, swimming and the chaos of everyone in their small kitchen with assigned cooking roles.
From their teens onward, the family would descend on her posh big sister Steph’s house – a sparkling haven of glittering decorations and a tree laden with gifts for nephews and grannies. “We’d get there early and prep an award-winning feast,” she recalls. “That tradition continues today. We still gather at Steph and Ron’s beautiful home, and share a special meal, with the rule of no gifts. Our presence is presents enough.”
Since losing their parents, the Thompsons have opened their circle wider, welcoming others who might not have family nearby. “We’re often joined by the inspiring Raymond Perrier and his delightful mum, Phil, who visits from the UK,” she says with a smile.
One Christmas stands out vividly: Spending the holidays with her friend Domy in rural France. “Mid-December, he asked what I wanted to do for Christmas. I said, a quiet one at his home and suggested we have a bunny chow as our Christmas meal.”
After sourcing spices across the French countryside and persuading the local boulangerie to bake the perfect loaf, they sat down on Christmas Eve to enjoy a Durban classic – mutton bunny and moonshine brewed by Dom’s dad in the ’80s. “It was the most delicious ‘local’ meal a Durbanite could ask for,” she boasts.
Today, Christmas Eve at Steph’s still runs like a well-oiled machine. “Nuut glides around the kitchen conducting us like an orchestra,” says Sophie. “These days, we opt for semi-prepared ingredients to spend more quality time together. Our starter is always spargels (asparagus), and Lindt balls are a must.”
Her annual duty? Festive ice cubes – sprigs of rosemary and fresh berries frozen into beautiful little bursts of cheer – and crafting tiny woolly hats for Lindt balls from toilet rolls and yarn. “I’m a superb sous chef and queen of finding fab recipes and getting others to make them,” she laughs.
Christmas Day is all about her furry companions, ‘the Motleys’. “I play Santa Paws – they get to unwrap or destroy their presents, usually a bone or treat of some sort. The rest of the day is totally chilled. New Year’s is usually a quiet night in – the Motleys get their calming meds, and we head to bed early.”
Still, Sophie adds plenty of festive creativity to the season. This year’s project? Hand-drawn self-portraits on Christmas cards, each paired with an uplifting message. “We try to do something new each year,” she says. “My sisters also get a homemade something – like my ‘amateur art’ of our grandfather’s bombed-out church. They actually hang them!”
As for beauty tips, she keeps it simple: “Use sunscreen and wear a hat!” This season, she plans to read her collection of ‘Sophie’s’ books, rewatch The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, and listen to Of Monsters and Men.
Her advice to readers? “Do something new and fun. We’re playing croquet, making edible biscuit art, and trying the German trend Pudding Mit Gabel – finding a scenic spot, pudding and fork in hand, and just enjoying being outdoors.” And, of course, she and her sister, Illa, never miss a Carols by Candlelight. “We try somewhere new each year – from shopping centres to churches and parks. It’s the best way to feel the magic of Christmas.”
Marissa Groenewald
She’s an entrepreneur, a marathon runner, a history-maker and mum – not to mention the queen of chimichurri sauce and Christmas crackers. But when the festive season arrives, Marissa Groenewald slows the pace to celebrate what matters most.
Growing up, Marissa’s Christmases were a mix of big family gatherings and intimate lunches, always centred on the essence of the season – the birth of Jesus Christ. “Whether it was a full house or a quiet table, Christmas was about togetherness, laughter and love,” she reflects.
Today, those cherished traditions continue with her own children. “Christmas at home is still about family, but now I get to create my own little traditions,” she says. And one of her favourites? – Christmas crackers. “I’m a sucker for dad-jokes and pointless trivia, so I always make sure there are crackers on the table. It’s the best part – right after the steak and dessert!”
Marissa’s festive table wouldn’t be complete without her signature chimichurri. “You see, this is why I run… because I love to eat,” she laughs. “I make a mean chimichurri for all the steak lovers out there. The recipes are easy to find online, but the secret is in balancing sweet, salty, sour, fresh and a bit of a sting.”
The festive season is also a time for her favourite holiday rituals. Marissa cherishes time outdoors – whether it’s beaches, forests, mountains, or lakes – and always tries to complete a challenging puzzle, even if sitting still is a stretch for someone with her energy.
Lenore Goss-Matjie
Fashion entrepreneur. Reality star. Motivational speaker. Mom. Fibromyalgia warrior – Lenore Goss-Matjie is on a mission to build a community rooted in positivity, self-care and strength. And, when it comes to the festive season, her spirit shines just as bright as her message.
For Lenore, Christmas growing up was pure magic – a celebration filled with colour, laughter and the irresistible aromas of home-cooked feasts. “I remember twinkling lights, a kaleidoscope of wrapped gifts under the tree, the smell of biryani, curries, roasts and Christmas pudding being prepared, and the joyful pop of Christmas crackers,” she recalls. “Christmas began early in December with decorating the lounge and the tree – glittering tinsel, porcelain ornaments, fairy lights and that festive feeling that filled every corner of our home.”
Christmas morning meant early wake-ups to open presents before heading to church, and then off to her grandmother’s home for a family feast. “My mom would pack up all her dishes and we’d gather with family and friends – full bellies, full hearts. After lunch, I’d sit with my dad, uncles and their friends, joining in their conversations and inside jokes, and of course, eating Christmas pudding – even though I didn’t like it much! But there was always money hidden inside, and that made it worth it.”
These days, Lenore enjoys a quieter, more intimate Christmas surrounded by her family and a few close friends. “We wake up early, open gifts, go to church, and then get ready for lunch,” she says with a laugh. “After complaints about my air-fryer lunch specials, I’ve happily outsourced some of the cooking – less mess, less fuss and always great food!” Her eldest daughter takes charge of the kitchen, preparing her famous butter chicken curry, roast veggies, trifle and peppermint tart, while her husband and two younger children set the table to perfection. “The day ends with naps, board games, singing and dancing – a house full of joy.”
This year, Lenore’s festive break is all about rest and recharging. “I’m not sure of my plans yet, but the New Year in Durban is always special – the vibe, the ocean breeze, the energy. One day, I’d love to spend Christmas in Egypt. Imagine starting a new year surrounded by so much history and beauty!”
Her go-to festive favourites? “Peppermint tart and perfectly roasted chicken – simple, classic and always a crowd-pleaser,” she says. And when it comes to décor, she keeps things fun and personal: “We love spray-painted pinecones as table décor – it’s a family favourite.”
One tradition that continues to bring joy is decorating the Christmas tree in early December. “My kids invite their friends over, we play carols, dance, sing and end the night with Christmas movies and take-out.”
As for her must-watch holiday line-up? Home Alone, The Santa Clause movies, Barbie Christmas specials – and, of course, Mariah Carey and Michael Bublé on repeat. “It’s not Christmas without them!” Lenore laughs.
Natalie Beuster
For many in the world of wellness, Natalie Beuster is a true skat – a mother, Summer lover, IT nerd and wellness enthusiast that is living life with passion and purpose, one nourishing meal at a time.
Growing up, Christmas for Natalie was always busy, joyful and full of family. “We would alternate between travelling to Joburg to see all our cousins and grandparents on my mom’s side, or staying home with my dad’s parents and local friends,” she recalls. “It was always about being together – and, of course, eating yummy food!”
The tree was a big deal in their household. “We’d put it up twelve days before Christmas, all of us together, with carols playing in the background,” she says. “It always came down on the 31st because my mom believed you should start the New Year on a clean slate.” As a teen, Natalie added a unique twist to her Christmas routine – joining her lifesaving club on the 25th to do a two-hour shift before heading home for the family feast.
Today, with most of her family living overseas, Christmas looks a little different – but the spirit remains the same. “We started a tradition of going for an early-morning sea swim with friends who don’t have family nearby, and now our kids join in too,” she says. Their tree goes up on December 1, with festive music filling the air, and it’s always packed away before New Year’s Eve, just as her mom did.
Each year, one new ornament is added to the tree, and the build-up to Christmas is filled with themed baking. “We always make shortbread, brownies cut into triangles and decorated as trees, and simple cut-out cookies for the kids to ice with friends,” says Natalie. “My mom did this with us when we were little, and it’s a memory I wanted to pass on.”
Christmas Day is all about connection – whether it’s with friends or family. “There’s always gammon on the table because who doesn’t love leftover gammon sandwiches the next day?” she laughs. Between video calls to family overseas, swimming and relaxing with full stomachs, it’s a day of gratitude and sunshine.
New Year’s Eve looks a little different these days too. “Gone are the midnight chaos and hangovers,” she grins. “With young kids, we have a braai, play pool cricket and toast the New Year around 8pm so the children can join in before bedtime.”
Natalie also adds a creative touch to her festive décor each year. “When I was little, my mom would attach all the Christmas cards we received in the post to a ribbon on the wall – but these days, who gets post? So, I’ve adapted that tradition by hanging all the kids’ art from the year on a ribbon. They’re always so proud to see their creations on display.”
And when it comes to sweet treats, her Christmas Brownies are a family favourite. “They’re perfect on their own with coffee or served warm with ice cream for pudding,” she says.
Natalie’s Christmas brownies
Ingredients: 3 eggs; ½ cup melted butter or margarine; 1 cup flour or gluten-free flour; ¾ cup cocoa powder; 1 cup sugar; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp instant or decaf coffee; chopped nuts and chocolate chunks (optional).
Method: Mix all the ingredients together until smooth, then stir in any nuts or chocolate chunks. Spread the batter into a 20cm baking tin and bake at 180°C for about 20 minutes. Once cooled, cut the brownies into triangles, mix a thick icing with icing sugar and water, and pipe it over the ‘trees’ to look like tinsel. Finish with festive sprinkles or stars for decoration.
Tip: These brownies make a gorgeous edible gift or an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert on Christmas Day.
Shareez Bagaria
Entrepreneur, adventurer, dream chaser and mountain climber – both in the world and within herself -Shareez Bagaria has been on a mission to scale some of the world’s most challenging peaks – not just for the thrill of the climb, but to remind us that the greatest summits are often the ones we conquer within. But, when December rolls around, this trailblazer swaps hiking boots for Christmas sparkle, and adventure takes on a whole new meaning.
For Shareez, Christmas has always been a season of family, food and festive magic. “Christmas was always a big celebration in our home,” she says. “Around 1 or 2 December, we’d take out the tree and start decorating it. Then a few days before the 25th, my mum, my sister and I would begin the traditional cooking and baking.”
Their festive table was legendary – trifle, turkey, roast potatoes and, of course, her mom’s famous brandy Christmas pudding. “The night before, the lights would come on, and in the morning, my sister and I would race to the tree to see what Santa had left! My most memorable gift was my very first Barbie doll – I must have been eight or nine, and it was the most exciting thing ever!”
The day itself was filled with tradition – church in the morning, a big family lunch, and relatives popping in with treats and gifts. “It was noisy, happy and full of love,” she recalls.
Today, Shareez keeps the spirit of those childhood Christmases alive. “It’s pretty much the same – church in the morning, exchanging gifts, and a long lunch or dinner with family and friends,” she says. “There’s always laughter, music and that feeling that everything slows down for a while so you can just be together.”
Her festive table wouldn’t be complete without a few favourites. “Definitely trifle, turkey and a good merlot,” she laughs. “And the table must be beautiful – lots of colour, candles and sparkle!”
This year, Shareez and her family will be taking the celebration on the road. But no matter where they are, the Bagarias bring the cheer with them – and the soundtrack is always the same. “We have Michael Bublé’s Christmas playlist on repeat for the whole of December! The kids love it, especially Jingle Bells and Silent Night,” she says. “And we can’t miss our annual Christmas movie marathon – Home Alone, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, The Holiday and Love Actually are all musts!”
When it comes to festive flavours, her go-to is Gordon Ramsay’s roast turkey basted with garlic parsley butter and wrapped in crispy bacon. “It’s moist, flavourful and always a hit on the lunch table – especially with roast potatoes on the side.”
And to keep the magic alive, there’s one sweet new family tradition she treasures most: “We’ve started leaving cookies and milk under the tree for Santa – and the joy on the kids’ faces in the morning when they see Santa helped himself? Absolutely priceless.”
Megan Bobbert
Businesswoman, beauty queen and devoted mom, for Megan Bobbert, Christmas is all about family, food and festive magic.
“Ah, the excitement of Christmas as a child!” Megan still remembers those early mornings when she and her sister would wake up before dawn, creeping into the lounge to see if Father Christmas had arrived. “We’d sit there in awe, just staring at the presents until it was a reasonable hour for our parents to get up,” she laughs. “Then we’d tear through the gifts at record speed!”
After the morning mayhem, it was off to church, followed by a big family lunch – alternating between her mom’s and dad’s sides each year. “Those gatherings were always so much fun,” she recalls. “There were five siblings on each side, so plenty of cousins to play with!”
These days, Megan is reliving that same magic through her children’s eyes. “It’s so special to experience the excitement all over again,” she says. The Bobberts keep the traditions alive – from snowy footprints left by Santa to half-eaten carrots for the reindeer. “Last year we even made a video of Santa in our home to show my daughter when she woke up,” she grins. “Her face was priceless.”
Christmas Day still follows a familiar rhythm – presents in the morning, church, and then a long, laughter-filled lunch with family. “We alternate Christmases between my family and my husband’s, and there’s always too much food and way too much eating!” Megan admits. “Our table wouldn’t be complete without turkey, gammon, loads of salads, and my dad’s incredible desserts – his cheesecakes and milk tarts are legendary.”
This year is a big one – it’s a ‘Bobbert Christmas’, which means an enormous family gathering. “My parents will join us, and there are usually about 50 people including all the kids,” says Megan. “It’s chaos, but the best kind of chaos.” New Year’s Eve will be a little more relaxed, celebrated in Mauritius where the family will be marking her mother-in-law’s 70th birthday. “It’ll probably be an early night with the little ones, but what a beautiful way to ring in the New Year.”
And because no festive story is complete without a delicious dish, Megan shares one of her go-to recipes from last Christmas – a vibrant green bean, pomegranate and pistachio salad that’s as gorgeous as it is flavourful. “It’s fresh, festive and always a hit,” she says.
Megan’s green bean, pomegranate & pistachio salad
Serves 6 to 8
Ingredients: 1 cup salted pistachios, chopped; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1 tsp cumin; 1½ lbs (700g) fresh green beans, trimmed; ¼ cup unsalted butter; 1 bag salad sprinkle; 8 oz (225g) feta cheese, crumbled; 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt; juice of 1 lemon (about 3 Tbsp); 3 Tbsp olive oil; 2 cloves garlic; ¾ cup pomegranate arils; lemon zest.
Method: Mix the chopped pistachios with the cinnamon and cumin and set aside. Bring a large pot of water to the boil, add the green beans and cook until crisp-tender, about four minutes. Drain and plunge into ice water to cool, then pat dry. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until golden and fragrant, then reduce the heat to low and stir in three-quarters of the pistachio mixture. Add the beans and sauté gently for five to six minutes until warmed through, then remove from the heat. To make the lemony whipped feta, blend the feta, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil and garlic in a food processor until smooth and creamy. Spread the whipped feta evenly over a serving platter, top with the warm green beans, and finish with the remaining pistachio mixture, pomegranate arils, lemon zest and a sprinkle of salad mix. Serve immediately and enjoy this fresh, festive showstopper alongside your holiday feast.
Anna Ballantine
From Durban to London, Anna Ballantine – film enthusiast, world explorer, Christmas aficionado with a love for sparkle – has seen Christmas through many lenses. From sunny South African backyards to crisp English countryside Winters. Yet, no matter where she celebrates, the magic of the season never fades.
Looking back, Anna recalls childhood Christmases with a special kind of wonder. “I’ll never forget those magical mornings running downstairs to see the ‘snow’ that Santa had left – which was really just flour my parents scattered under the tree!” she laughs. “I loved everything about it – decorating the tree together, watching Durban light up with festive decorations, swimming in the pool, playing games, and enjoying that easy, happy energy that a South African Christmas brings.”
Today, her celebrations have adapted to a chillier climate, but the spirit remains. In England, Christmas Day begins with a long countryside walk – complete with her dog Casper sporting a sparkly bow tie. “There’s something so lovely about the crisp Winter air, bundling up in silly Christmas jumpers, and then coming home to sit around the fireplace with mulled wine in hand,” she says. Yet when she returns to Durban, it’s back to sun, cocktails and poolside fun, with everyone dressed in red and laughter filling the air.
Despite switching continents, the festive table is always thoughtfully curated – and completely vegan. “We go all out – roast potatoes, brussel sprouts, carrots and parsnips, stuffing, cranberry sauce, nut roast or vegan Wellington, and lots of gravy. Mulled wine bubbles away, Christmas pudding with custard makes an appearance, and I love roasting chestnuts by the fire too,” she says.
This year, Anna and her husband, Bradley, will celebrate Christmas with his family in England – extra special now that they’ve become an aunt and uncle for the first time. “There’s something magical about seeing Christmas through a little one’s eyes,” she says. New Year’s, however, is full-on fun: Themed dress-up parties with friends, sequins, laughter and joyful chaos. “Last year was Shrek-themed – unforgettable!”
For a touch of festive sparkle, Anna shares her love of seasonal films – The Holiday being her perennial favourite – and simple traditions that make the season feel magical. “Lighting candles, putting up fairy lights, wearing a sequined dress for an evening out, or creating little pockets of magic around the home. One of our newer traditions is playing Jackbox on Christmas Day – an interactive game from everyone’s phones. Once the wine starts flowing, it turns into wonderfully chaotic fun and endless laughter!”
Sarah Morgan Walker
A creative at heart, entrepreneur by trade and mother by calling, Sarah Morgan Walker is living her purpose in full colour. As a semi-finalist in the 2025 Mrs South Africa pageant, she may be stepping into the national spotlight, but those who know her will tell you it’s her humility, heart and quiet strength that shine brightest. And when it comes to Christmas, Sarah brings that same warmth and grace to everything she touches.
“Christmas was always such a magical time for me growing up,” Sarah smiles. “It was about togetherness – the smell of my Nana’s cooking, Christmas music filling the house, and the excitement of decorating the themed trees as a family.” Every ornament had its own story, she recalls, and unpacking them each year felt like “opening a box of memories.” There was always that childlike thrill of waiting for Father Christmas, waking up to find half-eaten biscuits and carrots, and the sparkle of fairy lights dancing over piles of colourfully wrapped gifts. “It was truly the highlight of the year for us,” she says.
These days, the magic remains, though tinged with a little nostalgia. “Christmas is still all about family, but it does come with some heartache,” she admits. “My sister lives in the USA now with her husband and son, and we’ve lost my Nana and Uncle Chris – so we spend time reflecting and remembering them.” But with new family members and three spirited daughters, there’s no shortage of joy. Mornings begin slowly, coffee in hand, as the kids open their gifts in matching pyjamas before the day unfolds with laughter, church, games and an abundance of food.
“We usually host or join loved ones for a long outdoor lunch,” Sarah says. “There’s always roast chicken or gammon, colourful summer salads, and my favourite – Christmas pudding for dessert.” And one tradition that never changes? A visit to the Christmas Angels in Westville for the annual family photo. “It’s our little time capsule,” she adds.
After a busy year, Sarah looks forward to the festive break as a time to slow down, reflect and recharge. “It’s about being fully present with my family,” she says. “I’m definitely planning to switch off my phone and reconnect with nature.” As for New Year’s Eve, the Walker household keeps it simple. “With three daughters, there’s usually a bit of lifting to and from friends’ homes,” she laughs. “Sometimes we’ll join friends or family, but more often it’s pyjamas, good food and quiet gratitude as we count down to midnight. I love starting a New Year feeling rested, peaceful and ready for the possibilities ahead.”
Sarah’s holiday pampering tip:
“In the whirlwind of the festive season, don’t forget to look after yourself – inside and out,” she advises. Her go-to combo includes CollagenLift ampoules (the Red Carpet box) for an energy and skin boost, and Lamelle’s Luminesce range – “The cleanser, rich day cream and evening glow night cream are my winning trio,” she says.
And one last family tradition she treasures? “Every Christmas Eve we take a ‘Christmas socks’ photo,” she grins. “No stress, no makeup, just our feet! It’s simple, silly and so us.”
