ROSANNA DAVISON
Author, blogger and model, pictured with her dogs, Ted (left) and Leo
It’s only when you stop and take a breath and think back on the year, that you realise how busy it’s been. I released another book this year. I’ve been touring the country doing my workshop. I’ve done a lot of events, and cookery demos. I’ve had a lot of support, and I would say the book launch, back in September, was the highlight of the year.
Christmas will be a time that I can relax. Definitely. My God, I’m counting down the days until I can switch my head off for a bit. I love Christmas. It’s a time really for everyone to relax, and not have to send emails and be at your computer all the time. You know it is silly season, so you can just have bit more fun.
I enjoy all the food; all the nice drinks; all the nice desserts. I’ll probably make some of my own recipes as well — chocolate cheesecake or the banoffi pie, to bring on Christmas Day. I’ll still probably go for a walk, get out after the meal and have a bit of fresh air.
The best thing about Christmas, for me, is the atmosphere and sense of fun and relaxation, and the laugh that you have with your family. I’m very lucky — my family and I are all very close. We’re all going over to relatives this year, so I just think it’s that feeling of being together at the table and being able to enjoy each others’ company.
I love to give presents, but I get kind of embarrassed to be given presents, because I have so much in my life. I never know what to ask for, so I’m a disaster to buy for. I prefer experiences over material things, so I’d much rather organise a week away for me and [my husband] Wes, rather than give him a gadget. Every year we try and book each other flights to go on a city break, rather than give each other things. We definitely like that side of it.
My ultimate Christmas memory was a Fisher-Price kitchen that Santa got me. I was obsessed with it, and it probably sparked my interest in cooking from a young age. I have so many happy memories over the years. They all involve the family being together, grandparents who have moved on, and other relatives who have moved on, so my favourite memories are from when we were all together and everyone was alive and healthy.