A Recap of the Festive Period and Happy New Year!

A Recap of the Festive Period and Happy New Year!

You know who makes the festive holidays special? Mums that’s who and in my case, my own mum who sprinkles stardust over all the family celebrations together, making each year magically memorable. Core memories for my own childhood and now my children are made courtesy of my loving and effortlessly stylish mum, Vasoulla.

I’m sharing photos below of the celebrations in my parents’ home as well as a trip to York at my favourite festive hotspot of Thor’s drinking mulled wine in front of a crackling open fire. There have been joint manicures with my princess, visits to Christmas markets, a trip to see Santa and more Netflix consumed than an average household (with my viewing alone).

I would like to thank you readers for your gratefully-received support in 2024. I’m wishing everyone health and happiness in 2025 because without those two things, nothing else matters.

Thank you Phase Eight for this glittering dress of dreams for my daughter Florence who turned 3 in November! I adore their new children’s collection which is as thoughtfully and stylishly made as their womenswear. This Tiana Sequin Pleated Dress is fully lined so comfort is not compromised in favour of beauty. The princess shoes with bows on the back no less, are also a gift from Phase Eight too. I couldn’t love these photos of Florence more. I still can’t believe I have a daughter after two sons. My trio of best friends.

My parents’ house on Christmas Day, below with views over fields from their garden.

A trip to York on Boxing Day

My husband Peter, and I, rustled up sticky toffee pudding and butternut squash risotto.

My mum’s New Year’s Day cake: vasilopita. Greeks celebrate name days based on days commemorating saints. On January 1 the Greek Orthodox church commemorates Saint Basil the Great, Archbishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia and those with the name Vasoula, Vasos and others, including myself I’ve just discovered, celebrate on that day. I can also celebrate on November 11th, incidently Florence’s birthday as the Cypriots celebrate Vicki then too! Double whammy or what?!

You can read the recipe for this New Year cake and my grandma Annetta’s marble cake on the blog.