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How long is your Christmas gift list/how many people do you have to buy for?

I have a dedicated

Christmas file in the notes section on my phone. If I see something I think someone will like I’ll make a note of it, or if I’ve bought something early for someone but I might forget where I’ve stashed it. But yes, between family, friends, Kris Kindles, godchildren etc, there’s definitely a list.

Are you an online or a physical shopper?

A bit of both, depending on what I’m after. There’s nothing like heading into the shops, soaking up the atmosphere of the lights, hearing Mariah Carey singing from shop to shop, grabbing a hot chocolate for sustenance – although it’s also possibly where I might pick up things I/everyone else does not need.

Are you organised or last-minute?

I’ve become incredibly organised. It’s become so busy with the kids that the only way I can enjoy December is if I have most things sorted by the end of November. I don’t even know who I am any more. If I have most things sorted I can enjoy the craic bits then.

Do you and Brian still buy gifts for each other? What do you get the man who has everything?

Yes we do still buy each other gifts – even something small to unwrap. It really is the thought though, as I feel guys are slightly harder to buy for. I think he might want knives this year if anyone knows of any good knife merchants? He’s really into cooking, so there’s a win in it for me too.

Do you think you’re difficult or easy to buy for?

I think I’m pretty easy. We really don’t go mad at Christmas, I’d honestly rather go away for a night or two on an adventure some time during the year. But I do think I’m easy enough to buy for – if it’s cute and sparkly I’ll love it. This sounds sort of like one of those Squishmallow teddies, which are very cute actually, so I wouldn’t say no. What’s the best gift anyone has ever bought you?

I adore jewellery, I have my own line with Newbridge Silverware – great gifts, hint hint – but something like a keepsake, with sentimental value, that invokes a special time, a special memory. My best Christmas present ever had to have been my son though, born Christmas time in 2020. He was early, so I was in hospital on New Year’s Eve. I’ve never really loved New Year’s Eve, but myself and himself having our own little party was really special, him drunk on milk, me drunk on tiredness. We wore our party hats and then passed out before midnight.

Do you have any early Christmas memories?

So many! I’m so grateful to my parents for making loads of happy Christmas memories for us. One that sticks out was when we were in a rental house as we were moving at the time. My granny was staying with us from Wexford and myself and my older brother slept on the landing on sun loungers. I remember wondering how Santa was going to navigate it and find us. Well I got a gorgeous Poochie teddy and I was delighted. I’m sure that time of year was always mad for our parents but they always made it about the family, and made it really fun.

What does your Christmas Eve look like?

We have a new family tradition within our own family now. We go into town with one of Brian’s oldest friends and one of mine, and all our kids and hang out.

What does your Christmas Day look like?

It’s different depending on where we are going to be as it changes up with who’s hosting. We cooked last year and I do love having everyone to ours but it’s definitely less work when we can head off for our dinner.

Have the children written their Santa lists?

Not yet but there’s nightly discussions. I really love when they post their letters, there’s nothing like the magic of that, the giddiness and excitement. I know it’s sort of a side bar but just to note if anyone is struggling to know what to get as a gift for someone in their life, I’m a Plan Ireland ambassador and they run a great programme where you can sponsor a child from a community in the developing world and it’s really special to write to that child and receive their letters back. Donating has a huge impact on their lives, and having that personal connection and contact makes it really special.

You’re a Christmas ambassador for Ayu Cosmetics, what made you want to partner up with such a gorgeous brand?

I’ve been a fan of Ayu for a long time – they are Irish, vegan and cruelty-free and have the most beautiful products. I was thrilled to be asked to be the face of their Christmas campaign. I loved all the looks. As much as I’d be regimented with skincare and washing my face every night before bed, I really didn’t want to wash my face that evening – all that fabulous glow disappearing down the sink, sob.

What are your favourite Ayu products?

Mascara is always my go-to make-up product and I would always just lash on the most dramatic one I could. But with Ayu, there are beautiful layering mascaras, so playing around with the different options have helped avoid the panda look by 5pm. I also adore the liquid shadow wands for some extra festive sparkle and I also really love the body illuminator. There’s a giftpack that has the product as well as a buffing applicator brush, it’s so user-friendly. It’s great for popping on the decolletage or down the shin bone.

Who do you think the Ayu gift sets would suit?

For your mum, sister or friends alike, I know eyeshadow palettes always go down a treat, and they are something you would have for years.