2020 has thrown many a metaphorical spanner in the works, but we’re not ready to give up on it all just yet. As the festive season nears, it’s more important than ever to keep the magic of Christmas alive, so we’re doing just that, by making magical moments amongst loved ones, good food and a whole lot of summer sunshine.
Credit: Unsplash
This year has been one defined by crisis and turbulence; so much that we once took for granted has been turned upside down, and many of us are still reeling from the onslaught of life-shifting headlines. But amongst the trials and tribulations, we’ve managed to find small pockets of pleasure; to feast on the crumbs, as it were.
We found calm amid the chaos in our lockdown bubbles and carved new socially-distanced rituals for spring. Now, as we head into the festive season, we’ll be creating moments of magic to share with our loved ones. Because even in this shifted, tense new world, we must indulge in the things that bring us joy; we must tune into the small pleasures and daily delights that uplift and rejuvenate us.
Afterall, we still have much to be grateful for - freshly washed sheets, warm sunlight dappling through trees, magenta sunsets and birdsong at dusk, special occasions required to dress up, treasured old boardgames to stop time, alfresco get togethers with good friends and wine; the smell of freshly ground coffee and baked bread, and spending quality time with loved ones in any way we can.
2020’s swan song is, perhaps, a welcome sound, but while we’ve still got a moment left, let’s bask in all the magic it has to offer.
Alex, Director & DESIGN PRINCIPAL
‘This year, my Christmas magic is all about connection and simplicity. We are stripping back our usual parties, dinners and gatherings and taking a road trip into the great outdoors (I have assured my girls that Santa will find us) with big skies and starry nights, strangers in small towns and all the simple things like board games, nature walks, conversation and connection with each other and community, and very little consumerism. I’m looking for the perfect country church to spend Christmas Eve singing carols and hearing those amazing bells ring out, that is my magical Christmas wish!’
Jess, INTERIOR Design ASSOCIATE
Credit: Paper Bark Camp
‘We might not be able to travel far and wide, but I’m hoping to create a magic moment for my little family at the Paper Bark Camp, 2 hours south of Sydney. It’s a luxurious getaway inspired by all things North African, with a Safari feel that will no doubt take us away to a faraway land as we travel overseas in spirit.’
Credit: Unsplash
Maddie, Interior Designer
‘After months of being cooped up inside in my comfy clothes, I’m craving fresh air, sunshine and an occasion to dress up! I’m planning magical summer picnics on the beach or harbour-side, with a beautiful picnic basket and plenty of rosé!’
Fran, Interior Architect
‘Magic is the feeling of contentment when you realise that you love what you have, and you have what you love. This year, the holiday season will be all about gratitude and celebrating what’s truly valuable in life. For me, that means gathering family and friends near and sharing food, fun and laughter.’
Demi, Interior Designer
‘It’s often the simplest things in life that bring the most joy. This year, I get to decorate my own Christmas tree in my very own home for the very first time. My love for Christmas decorations knows no bounds, and I’m looking forward to sharing this magical moment with my family, champagne and shortbread in hand!’
Julia, Studio Manager
‘After months of uncertainty and isolation, our fingers are crossed that the state borders open wide, allowing us to spend the festive season with family who we have not seen since Christmas last year. We have decided to road trip our way from Sydney to Adelaide for the first time, making it a truly magical adventure. To bring the level of serious down to an appropriate silly season mood, our old friend Michael Bublé will be crooning us all the way. My mother-in-law has optimistically stocked up on gingerbread house kits well ahead of our arrival, hopefully manifesting that there is no way we will miss this magical family tradition! I think, like so many, the greatest gifts we can hope to receive this year are to be with family and friends and to have health and happiness.’
Credit: Gingerbread Folk
Alana, Interior Design Assistant
‘I can’t wait to indulge in my love of making handmade ceramics at home, eating a thousand prawns on Christmas day, playing with my newborn nephew, enjoying late night swims under clear balmy night skies, hiking unplugged in the Snowy Mountains in Kosciuszko National Park with my partner, sipping on bottomless cups of tea and cooking over campfire by the river.’