Our Christmas world tour begins

First stop: Christmas in the sun.

What if, this year, Christmas began with a journey?

Every Sunday until Christmas, Smallable takes you to meet its community of creators from around the world to discover their rituals, their favorite places, and their inspiring gift ideas.

For this first stop:
head to the southern hemisphere, where summer comes to the Christmas tree.

In Melbourne and then New Zealand, Alana and Bailey, two designers who partner with Smallable, open the doors to their sunny celebrations, with morning swims, fresh fruit, and outdoor rituals.

Christmas in Australia

with Alana from Goldie +Ace

Based in Melbourne, Alana is the co-founder of Goldie + Ace, an Australian brand that reimagines the spirit of the ’80s and ’90s in a children’s wardrobe that feels bright, joyful and gently retro. With her eye for style and sunlit energy, she brings a vibrant touch of Australia to the Smallable creator community.

Where will you be celebrating Christmas this year?

This year my family will celebrate Christmas at our house in Melbourne.

An image, memory, or ritual that symbolizes Christmas for you?

For me, it's not a true Aussie Christmas without a spread of fresh seafood that you lined up for at the markets the day before. Prawns, oysters, Moreton Bay bugs, salmon and a mountain of fresh lemon.

A few words about how you celebrate Christmas at home?

Christmas in Australia has all the usual festive trimmings, tinsel, carols and overeating but it’s right in the middle of summer. We’re talking very hot days, sunscreen instead of snow and pavlova instead of pudding. Santa wears swim shorts, the fridge is full of cold dishes and bubbles and half the country is either at the beach playing cricket or in a food coma by 3pm. It’s still common to have a traditional roast despite the heat but seafood, salad and cold meat platters are common.

Alana's Gift Selection

For myself from my favourite Australian designer.

For my husband Tristan , who loves taking naps wherever he can.

For my 9yo son Judson because he loves unique watches.

For my daughter Lottie - who collects these adorable creatures.

For my Mother-in-law - the perfect bag to match any outfit.

For my niece Evie; they’re my favourite, soft sherpa, snuggly warmth and the dreamiest lilac.

Express Christmas questionnaire

✨ A Christmas song?

“How to Make Gravy” by Paul Kelly — the Australian Christmas anthem — along with the classics by Mariah Carey and Wham!

✨ A movie?

“Home Alone” with the family, their traditional Christmas Eve movie.

✨ A local tradition?

Throughout the week between Christmas and New Year, her children take part in the Nippers program - Australian surf lifesaving activities for kids that combine swimming, ocean safety training and beach games - at the local beach. They are all on holidays, the sun is shining and sometimes Santa visits in a helicopter.

✨ A recipe?

A pavlova topped with mango, berries and passionfruit — the centerpiece of her Christmas table. She uses the same recipe her grandmother did, from the Women’s Weekly cookbook.

Alana's FAVORITE PLACES
in Melbourne

South Melbourne Market

Coventry Street Village

Carols by Candlelight – Sidney Myer Music Bowl

A true pre-Christmas ritual, locals line up for seafood, cherries and croissants. The market showcases the best of the best local produce and restaurants away from the hustle and bustle of the inner city.

Lined with local boutiques, cafés and homeware stores, it’s the perfect spot for Christmas shopping that can turn into wine and oysters by midday.

The carols is the most Melbourne Christmas tradition there is. Usually it’s a balmy summer evening with some of the biggest names in Australian music complete with the city skyline twinkling just behind the stage.

Myer Christmas Window Displays

Matilda

An absolute Melbourne Christmas institution, every year the windows tell a new festive story.

The perfect Melbourne spot for a friends’ or work Christmas lunch. It’s pure understated Melbourne magic, moody lighting, open fire grill and incredible food. Locals love it because it feels like a secret, very worthy of a long, lazy festive lunch that ends with espresso martinis and a lot of laughter.

Christmas in New Zealand

with Bailey from Baina

Originally from New Zealand, Bailey is the co-founder of Baina. After a career in fashion, she turned to home design with the desire to create everyday objects that are both beautiful and lasting. Her eye, shaped by art and architecture, brings a distinctly contemporary touch to the Smallable creator community.

A few words about how you celebrate Christmas at home?

At home in New Zealand. All of our family is coming together for the first time in three years, so it feels particularly special. My mum is hosting at her property in the Waikato countryside - a place that feels familiar and restorative. I’m craving the simplicity of it all: warm weather, time with family, nowhere else to be, and a day that can unfold naturally.

An image, memory, or ritual that symbolizes Christmas for you?

A morning swim - Christmas by the ocean means it’s a must.

A few words about how Christmas is celebrated in your country/city/region.

In the Southern hemisphere, Christmas arrives in the height of summer. There is an ease to the day - relaxed, unhurried, shared with family and friends. The day tends to unfold outdoors, and seafood is always the main event of any Kiwi Christmas table.

THE GIFT SELECTION

by Bailey, co-founder of Baina

A piece I would love for myself—and for our new mountain cabin.

For my mother, who always collected beautiful things.

The perfect school bag for my niece.

For Gruff, our dog.

The perfect gift for those who love to receive.

For my husband.

Express Christmas questionnaire

✨ A Christmas song?

I always return to Christmas songs by the old jazz greats. A wonderful album is Christmas Jazz New Orleans. My favourite is “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Frank Sinatra.

✨ a movie?

“A Very Murray Christmas”. We watch it every Christmas Eve – a tradition that has lasted a decade.

✨ A local or family tradition?

Backyard cricket in the afternoon sun, after Christmas lunch has finished.

✨ An object or decoration that symbolizes Christmas in your home?

My Mum still has all of the Christmas decorations my sister and I made as children. Her tree encompasses all that Christmas means to me. It’s filled with memory and nostalgia and I love how it tells a story of our lives.