‘i’m as excited as the kidsare at christmas!’

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

What do you look forward to most about Christmas each year?

I get excited about Christmas way too soon. We start with Christmas movies really early and then I cannot wait to get the tree up.

What does the festive season mean to you?

Family and food, always. I love it when my family are over from Northern Ireland. My little boy was obsessed with Elf last year and he wasn’t even two then. We ended up watching it until the end of March this year! He’s moved on to Spider-Man now so hopefully we’ll get a decent break before it starts again this Christmas. But we all know every word of that movie – we’re very Elf-orientated in our house.

What are your plans for this year?

I’d love to go back home to Northern Ireland if we get a chance. Because of the football, we never know what my husband Frank is going to be doing so we have to work around that a little bit, but I’m also really happy being at home with the family. It may sound boring but I’ve never done a Christmas away in the sun. A lot of people take off and go abroad for Christmas, which is a lovely thing, but I like being at home and dancing in the kitchen and having a party-type feel. Whatever happens, this Christmas will definitely involve lots of gift-wrapping and home cooking.

When do you start your shopping?

I must admit, I am terrible at being organised. I’m a very good panic shopper and I’ve always been that way. I try to get ahead of it but it goes back to being last minute every year. I’m quite good at shopping under pressure so maybe that’s why I leave it? I’m not like my sister, who starts around May time and has everything sorted out way in advance. I’m late but I always deliver, a bit like Santa. No one’s ever been disappointed with their gifts!

How do you spend Christmas Eve?

We get so excited. It’s literally my favourite time of the year and I think I could say that for all the family. I loved Christmas growing up and I have to say that’s never left me. Now that I’ve got children to re-enact everything with, it’s fantastic. It’s like starting all over again. I a