I have been lucky enough to have lived in various countries and cultures over my life to date, each of which has a different take on Christmas traditions and rituals.
But what I love most is what a sensory experience Christmas can be, and how the simple things like bundles of cinnamon sticks and clementine pomanders can give such pleasure. Having spent a number of years in Australia and New Zealand where darkness does not fall until 9.30pm in the leadup to Christmas, I have learnt to appreciate the magic associated with the flicker of candles and the twinkle of fairy lights on a dark winter's night here. Even the smell of Christmas baking provides a heightened sensory pleasure on a cold day.