Christmas in the UK is a big deal, in the US it never feels like it takes on quite the same level of magic that it does in the UK. Perhaps it's the over-commercialization, perhaps it's the fact that the US is "technically" a secular country – I say technically because obviously religion can bar same sex marriage – boo – but we can't say Merry Christmas… I think I know which is the more heinous of the two…. and of course, in Los Angeles at least, the weather plays a factor.

So I was overjoyed to have the opportunity to go home for Christmas this time around, for the first time in six years and the first time with Mr Style ever. Christmas at my home is quite the celebration, we had 9 under one roof and 11 round the table for Christmas Dinner (and that's not even technically a full house, we were missing a brother and a sister and law)

The following snaps offer a glimpse into my family Christmas :)

(picture above, Elizabeth & Jack, my niece and nephew upon discovering the trove of gifts Father Christmas had deposited under the tree)

Jack was fed up of getting oranges in his stocking (he doesn't like them) so Father Christmas left him a coconut instead.

Elizabeth is a prolific reader, so a Nook was a choice gift for her from Father Christmas :)

Elizabeth used a loom she was given earlier in the year to weave a scarf for her Pops (my Dad)

Mr Style was blessed with a new disguise for Christmas, courtesy of my baby sister, Josephine.

Mr Style forgot my stocking & ran out of wrapping paper. So he made do. Hahah. Also, my pajamas are awesome, and from Victoria's Secret (and now on sale for $30!)

Alcohol does play a rather prominent part in our Christmas day. Mr Style enjoying his morning Mimosa, minus the OJ. Also this the first pic I took with my Christmas present – a fixed 50mm lens! Woo.

My baby sister, Jo, enjoying her vintage goodies (my gift to her) complete with PJ pants and disguise….

My brother-in-law, James clearing up the wrapping paper storm that hit our living room. Complete with disguise of course (does anyone sense a theme?)

My Grandma, Josie (wearing Lulu*s & Primark) and Me (wearing J.Crew and H&M). My Grandma and Granddad (who we call Papa & Gran Anna) didn't know we were visiting until Christmas morning – it was quite the Christmas surprise. Oh – and the paper crowns? British Christmas tradition, they come inside our Christmas crackers!

Josie and Elizabeth playing with the Nook.

Charlie the dog (my sister's) looking on (and an excuse to play with the focus on my new lens!)

Josie got herself a Christmas present – a DSLR. Now we're camera twins (and I'm ensuring she'll put it to good use!)

My Mum and the family dog, Grace.

Josie looking glam fireside

My Papa.

Next year I want them all to come for Cali Christmas… but I'm going to need a few more rooms!

Kelsi x