Jack Stones, 36, is the Pub Landlord for The Spring Grove in Kingston and has been in hospitality for 15 years.
My team and I do it all
From taking bookings, to delivery of beer. Pouring pints to pouring gravy. It ramps up a bit as we get closer to the big day, it’s a case of doing a bit of party Tetris to fit everyone in and making sure they’re happy. It’s loud, warm, busy and fun!
We start preparing in June!
I look forward to seeing the diary fill up with events, the Christmas parties have different requests so always lots to look forward to. Once the dust settles in January, we have our staff Christmas party and make sure everybody gets bought plenty of beers as a thank you for working so hard in December.
Hospitality can be very stressful
Unless you’ve been through something worse. If you see a very calm manager in the midst of an incredibly busy pub you know they’ve got some serious war stories. I ran nightclubs for years and got some pretty gnarly ones.
Looking after people is an important part of what I do
Christmas is a stressful time if you’re a host, we can make that disappear, creating a home away from home where you can properly relax, hang out with friends and not worry about the clear up afterwards.
thespringgrove.co.uk
@thespringgrove
Desirée Harris, 46, is a horticulturalist, Mum, PTA parent, face painter and netball coach. She wears many hats, but her favourite has to be her Christmas one.
I have always loved Christmas
I’m known as ‘Mrs Christmas’ by the PTA at my school. I find bringing the magic to family, friends and the community so rewarding. Over the years I’ve organised wreath workshops, shopping evenings, community light switch on and been head elf gift wrapper. The PTA have a blast and it brings lots of cheer.
I look at Pinterest for decorating ideas
Once Halloween is over, my 20 boxes of Christmas decorations come out of the loft and I collect my fresh Nordmann Fir as soon as it’s available. I then start decorating the whole house, in sections! I love seeing the smiles of the children’s friends that come to visit.
Day to day I transform my clients’ gardens and pots
I love to plant these with berries and Christmas colours ready for the season, harvesting all I can (like hydrangea and thistle heads) for the wreath workshops. Although, if it’s raining or I’m sick I switch on the Christmas channel while I do housework. I secretly watch Christmas movies all year round!
Christmas Day we always have an open house
With friends and family joining us, Boxing Day is the same, we play lots of games. NYE we have an early party so the kids can join in, then once they’re in bed my husband and I watch the fireworks on TV in peace, ready for the New Year to bring us renewed health.
@thebloomdoctor
Karla Goodman, 41, and her Dad, Bryan Goodman sing for Singology, a local community choir with groups across London, including Wimbledon and Thames Ditton.
We try to spread joy whenever we can
We’ve livened commutes at train stations, taken the stress out of shopping at Christmas markets, merrily cheered members of the All England Lawn Tennis Club and always hold a special concert in the church where we rehearse. Our greatest honour was to have sung for the Queen back in 2021.
We know Christmas isn’t an easy time for everyone
To find time to connect and bring even brief moments of comfort and joy during this time is really important to us. The sense of achievement we get from singing with and for others while hopefully inspiring people to consider joining a choir is such a privilege.
It’s indescribable the feeling when all the parts and harmonies come together
As a group, we draw inspiration and confidence from each other and as father and daughter, singing together is our dedicated time together, it brings us so much happiness. Whenever we can, we always prioritise this, even when things get busy. Sometimes you’ve got to slow down to speed up.
singologychoir.com
@singologychoir
Vinny Freulon, 44, is the General Manager of boutique hotel, The Mitre, next to Hampton Court Palace.
\It’s all about a strong briefing and big smiles
I have worked in this industry for 28 years. Christmas, when you work in hospitality, is just another day, there is a little more pressure, but as long as you’re fully prepared there’s not reason to worry.Planning for the festive period starts in April so it’s very much an all-year-round project.
I look forward to delivering the best experience
From making sure the venue looks its absolute best, to making guests feel completely at home. It’s exciting, magical, rewarding and exhausting! But there’s nothing better than waving happy guests goodbye on Boxing Day or receiving an email of thanks after their stay to share with the team.
I’ll be wrapping presents while watching Love Actually
On Christmas morning I’ll wish my little boy a Merry Christmas and open presents with him (making him smile is my favourite thing). I’ll then spend the day with the team. As for NYE, I will be working but it’s always such a great celebratory atmosphere here at The Mitre.
mitrehamptoncourt.com
@mitrehamptoncourt
Words by Daniella Matier, Photography by Jayne Saunderson