When it comes to the festive season, we all have our own special traditions that take centre stage at this time of year. Whether rituals we have grown up with or new ones created each passing year, these little details make the magic. We asked some of our Soho Lighting friends to share the Christmas traditions they hold close...

“I love creating sustainable decorations at this time of year, and one of my favourites is the kissing ball. Traditionally crafted from greenery, flowers, or mistletoe, it’s a beautiful symbol of goodwill and romance. Originating in medieval Europe to celebrate peace and friendship, it perfectly captures the true spirit of Christmas.” 

“At Christmas, we celebrate nature by bringing the outdoors in. Fresh foliage, holly for mantelpieces, and handmade wreaths from willow and garden greenery create a timeless look. We upcycle with paper chains from leftover paint samples, wrap gifts in recyclable paper or fabric, and tuck sprigs of rosemary into napkin rings for a natural flourish. Our tree absorbs carbon during its life, then becomes compost, gate posts, or firewood - nothing is wasted. Decorating waits until the family is home, so everything looks fresh and vibrant. For us, it’s beauty with purpose - a festive season rooted in sustainability.” 

“Christmas has always been special to me, having grown up in Austria where the season is truly magical with early markets, snowy streets, and festive cheer. At home, I recreate that atmosphere with silver ornaments, antique tealight holders, and branches from the garden, mixed with real candles to bring a soft alpine glow throughout the house.” 

“As a father of five, Christmas is very much a family affair, centred around the home and our children. Our most cherished decorations are those that carry memories, many handmade by the children over the years, along with a few crafted in our own workshops from antique brass and leather, materials used throughout our collections. Together they tell the story of family, craft, and time spent creating.” 

“I think my mother slightly ruined me when it comes to Christmas - she just did it so beautifully. I never wanted to be anywhere else than with her. Being Austrian, we always celebrated on Christmas Eve, or Heilig Abend as we call it, with the Christkind rather than Father Christmas. Now, we weave both Austrian and English traditions together, whether we’re here or in Austria, but that Austrian thread still very much runs through it all. There are always lots of candles everywhere (real ones on the tree, too!), antique wooden decorations passed down through generations, traditional incense, and the sound of traditional Christmas music. It all feels deeply special, magical, and full of warmth.” 

“Christmas is still a relatively 'new' affair at Admirals House. It was only two years ago I had a kitchen and could therefore properly host Christmas for the first time! But even in the years before that, amongst the dust and detritus of the renovation, there's always a real tree. It's not just about the way they look, or the incredible smell - it's the whole process... going and choosing it, walking up and down to pick the best one... the fun and games of carrying and unwrapping a 12ft tree (usually in the pouring rain!), that's really the start of Christmas for me!” 

“Candles, candles, candles. There’s nothing to beat them! But only one scented candle as otherwise the impact can be overwhelming. When I was young, a lovely Danish neighbour in our village initiated a tradition for many of us to place lit candles in our main windows on Christmas Eve. I remember the enchanting effect as we walked to church for midnight mass. Fairy lights can be magical but I only ever use warm white and never twinkling or pulsating. If guests are arriving and we’re not in the midst of a Cornish gale, I’ll light tealights and place them in jam jars to light the path and then flank the porch with two large storm lanterns. I never light real candles on the Christmas tree, having been rather put off when a friend decided to light hers on twelfth night and the entire tree exploded!”