Hi Everyone, 

So here we are again, Christmas is nearly here and as I look out my window on a cold and frosty English scene I am dreaming of sunshine, beaches and family. 

This is our year for hitting the road... well, not literally - more like hopping a long haul plane, we are Sydney bound for Christmas this year, visiting all of our family and friends in the land of Oz. Its something that we are lucky enough to be able to do bi-annually ( except of course for the awful, lonely Covid years), and the kids, my husband Paul and I really look forward to it. 

It's always a little strange for my English husband Paul... I don't think he has every really got use to singing I'm dreaming of a white Christmas while wandering around on a 30 degree day in a pair of shorts ! However for me, it takes me back to my childhood of Christmas day swims at Bondi, Christmas Ham and salad on Christmas Eve, and wandering around the neighbourhood checking out the Christmas lights on my bike on a warm summers evening. 

This year we will visit my parents in Lemon Tree Passage - which we named our best seller candle after last year (perfect stocking filler if you are still looking for one!), followed by a couple of weeks in Sydney, staying in Bondi (so planning on that Christmas day swim), lots of catch ups with close family and friends and this years Christmas lunch will be Aussie style seafood rather than a traditional Christmas feast. I am hoping for a lazy, chilled day full of laughter, family, food and the odd glass or 2 of Champagne - something that I think all of us hope for wherever we are. 

From all of us at Island Home we wish you the very merriest of Christmas's and hope that 2025 will be a fantastic year for you all. We will be back with new ranges for you to check out (why not take a quick peek at our latest Coastal range when you get a chance - better photos to follow in the new year!). 

Take care, and thanks again for supporting our little store. 

Sonja x