It’s that time of the year again where people reveal themselves as a true lover of all things festive, or as a ‘bah-humbug’ing Scrooge. It’s Christmas – and that means the city is buzzing with seasonal get-togethers, sparkling lights and overcrowded shops as people set out to discover the perfect gift.

I believe the whole thing can get quite overwhelming if you allow yourself to get swept up in the unnecessary chaos, but always end up feeling full of festive cheer by the time Christmas Eve comes around, and it’s time to discover if you’re on the naughty or nice list. Big or small, everyone has their very own traditions whether they realise it or not, and I thought I’d share a few of my yule-tide rituals to enjoy over a mulled wine and mince pie.

‘Tis the season of giving, and we all have our own approach to ticking off that shopping list for loved ones…or the dreaded office Secret Santa. I like to make out that I have everything planned ahead of time, but in reality, there’s always a last-minute run around to purchase gifts for that friend or aunt you forgot was coming round for a pre-Christmas drink. Us gents do have a reputation for being lazy shoppers, so here are a few pointers to avoid any embarrassment:

• Have a few spare gifts on standby, in the scenario of unannounced guests. These don’t have to be extravagant or expensive. Think an extra bottle of wine or a seasonally scented candle that you stashed to one side, ready and waiting to go in a gift bag. The Sloane Street Gift Card is another brilliant option. 

• Write a list and set budgets so you have a plan that won’t blow your bank account.

• Make sure to go the extra mile for the truly special people. Not every gift needs to be over the top, but I do think that there are certain people in our life who we should put that extra thought into treating. Thoughtfulness can go a long way and nothing beats watching that someone special’s face light up when they pull back the wrapping to reveal a dream gift with a personal touch. 

• Last but not least, put some effort into the presentation! We all love receiving a beautifully wrapped gift, and Peter Jones is the perfect destination for all your wrapping needs.

Now, this is the part of Christmas I truly enjoy. Imagine a table full of festive food, the sound of a cocktail shaker whipping up a chilled martini in the background, and getting to catch up with friends and family you wish you got the chance to see more. With some of the city’s most stylish spots, Sloane Street offers the perfect hub for Christmas get-togethers, whether it be an intimate dinner at Sale e Pepe or an evening of champagne and cocktails in the …At Sloane Bar.

It’s also a well-known fact that this time of year is when we get to wear our favourite outfits and partywear, going the extra mile to display an elevated style. My tried and tested look is a velvet blazer, black t-shirt and a black pair of tailored trousers or jeans – not to forget a fun loafer and warming fragrance for that added party-season flare. These pieces are classic and offer an extra layer of sophistication that we don’t usually get to display.

We all have memories of Christmas’ gone by, and with that, traditions we probably don’t even know the origin of. I have a love-hate relationship with the humble Christmas cracker – something I could easily go without. They have a nostalgic feel, but I can’t help but get irritated by the pointless pieces of plastic inside and the amount of paper that ends up sprawled across the dining table. I do, however, still love the traditional advent calendar, getting the chance to enjoy a daily treat in the lead-up to the big day. 

Of course, these have become more elaborate over the years and with so many varieties on offer to suit a range of tastes and interests, there really is something for everyone nowadays – especially in the luxury sector. For me, nothing beats our family tradition of putting a pair of new pyjamas on to settle down with cocktails on the sofa and watching The Polar Express on Christmas Eve.

When it’s all said and done, the Christmas period really is whatever you make it. I feel the magic can be left behind as a child, however, with the right planning and effort, it can be just as enjoyable way into adulthood. Savour the food and drink you associate with the holiday season, enjoy the opportunity to get dressed up and plan ahead to get through that Christmas shopping. Sloane Street really does have it all, and when all else fails, Harvey Nichols is the perfect spot to tick everything off the list all in one place, and in one afternoon.