Kath's Christmas
Here at Celtic & Co, we are like one big family, working closely everyday together alongside the Founders Nick & Kath Whitworth. As Christmas approaches, our busiest time of the year, here's how our 2nd mother Kath (as she's fondly known as), celebrates Christmas in Cornwall.
Santa's Workshop
“This is my favourite time of year, and a busy one for us here at Celtic & Co. The factory, warehouse, call centre and marketing departments, all here under one roof in Cornwall, will be in full swing and I can guarantee that we will sell hundreds of Bootee slippers - our year-round best-selling product. I’ve many good memories of late evenings in the workshop leading up to Christmas, getting boots and slippers ready for the winter rush, with my fellow elves.
Decorating the tree and home
At home, Christmas planning starts around the end of November for us Whitworths, when I order and collect our tree from the local farmer. I like to get in quick and choose the fullest tree on offer, even if it has to sit in my garden for a week or two before I bring it indoors to dress. I also take cuttings from the garden to decorate the house, my favourite being from our giant eucalyptus tree at the bottom of the garden that fills the house with a beautiful scent.
The dressing of the tree usually takes place on the 1st weekend in December, since it seems we are always away in London for work-related meetings or have family come and stay each weekend leading up to the big day. The tree decorations have huge sentimental value to me as they are a lovely collection of ornaments the kids made at school when they are were very young, gifts given to us on our 1st Christmas Nick and I lived together, plus trinkets bought on special holidays and trips. For example, we have a Mickey Mouse from an old family holiday to Disney, which just makes me smile every year I get it out of the box from the attic.
The Christmas Countdown
During December, I enjoy visiting our counties Christmas markets, which really get you into the festive spirit. Not only are they fantastic for shopping for those little stocking fillers, there's always live music, chef demonstrations, craft workshops and wonderful fresh produce to sample from local Cornish food and drink companies. There's no better way to shop than walking around under fairy light canopies whilst holding a warming cup of mulled wine (or spiced cider as we like to drink here in Cornwall). My favourite festive markets are the Padstow Christmas Festival, on from 7th - 10th Dec and the The Winter Gift Fayre in Truro between 12th - 17th Dec.
As you may or may not know, I'm a big fan of exercise, I regularly hit the gym or explore our stunning Cornish coastline by walking the dog. So the idea of not being able to attend my normal spin or yoga class on Christmas Day or Boxing Day (basically because the gym is closed, otherwise I would still go!), you'll find me packing in the hours to earn mince pie points on the days leading up to the Christmas break, including Christmas Eve. Working out and being active has always been my downtime, a way of letting my hair down after a full on day at work.
Twas the night before Christmas...
On Christmas Eve, after my last gym session (of course), Nick and I will head into Newquay town to meet up with friends and enjoy a drink or two in some of our local pubs. Obviously, being a massive green tea fan (I cannot get enough of it!), where ever we venture out to has to have this on offer, as it's my favourite tipple. One of our favourite haunts for our traditional Christmas Eve meet-ups is the Red Lion where there's always a fantastic band playing, and the view to the town's harbour is stunning, day and night.
Family time
Christmas Day will most probably see Nick and I rise early to gather some fresh veggies from our garden. We grow all sorts and we will spend the morning preparing them along with firing up our outdoor pizza oven, which we use to bake bread and slow cook meat for the big meal later.
I'm saying all this, as yes traditionally we host Christmas dinner for our children, who have now fledged the nest. But there's nothing to stop them inviting Nick and I over for Christmas this year...hint hint!"
