The presents are under the tree, final touches are being made to luxury menus, and invitations to exclusive parties beckon. But underneath the classy packaging, how are AWM’s friends celebrating Christmas? We get under the tinsel and sparkles to find out what this season means to them, and how they are getting into the Christmas spirit

Sach Kukadia, CEO, Secret Sales

Shopping with mum

“Christmas is by far the busiest time of year for me and everyone at SecretSales! I’m look forward to some well-deserved down-time to recalibrate. Thoughts are on the year ahead in terms of goals and what I plan to achieve. Christmas Day is always intense as it feels like the whole of Bombay has descended into our home. Nevertheless it’s fun, with a spread of food most premium hotels would envy. The day is wrapped up with card games where my aunties and uncles gamble their cash away. One of my favourite things is taking my mother shopping and treating her to a few nice things – It’s tradition now, and despite the hordes of shoppers, it makes me very happy.”

Aruna Seth, CEO and Creative Director, Aruna Seth Shoes

Spa time

“This Christmas I will be in London for the first time in years. I absolutely love London’s hotels at this time of year. We will be celebrating Christmas this year at The Lanesborough London, and enjoying their gorgeous spa. Christmas is an opportunity for me to spend some quality time reflecting on the past year. I’ll finally get a break from my hectic travel schedule and I’m looking forward to eating lots of delicious food.”

Bav Patel, Founder, Mistique Events

Giving back

“It’s a time of year when the shops, malls, and streets of the West End showcase their Christmas decorations and awesome lights, creating a lovely aura in and around London. For me, Christmas is a time to reflect on how fortunate I am. It’s a blessing to be able to make memories with my nearest and dearest, and at the same time be grounded enough to see what is happening to people across the globe. We are one as human beings, so it’s not just about the eating, drinking, and presents, but how can we make a difference to someone else.”

Nick Bassi, CEO, Childsplay Clothing

Cooking up a storm

“What I love most about Christmas is the message of love and peace. Seeing everyone happy and coming together to celebrate puts a big smile on my face. Most importantly, it’s important to give to people who are less fortunate, and helping them to also have the best Christmas possible. I will be spending Christmas with all my family including mum and dad. This year – as much as my knowledge of cooking allows – I’ll be in the kitchen and helping my fiancé cook Christmas dinner.”

Arjun, CEO, Savage and Rose

Classic movies

“We love Christmas! There’s just so much positive energy during this festive period. Christmas is a time when you can sit back, put your feet up and review the year. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the successes and also be prepared mentally for a new start in a new season. For us, Christmas is usually spent with loved ones and after everyone’s asleep from eating too much, we meet up with friends for a few drinks. Personally I love to sit back and enjoy classic Christmas movies such as Home Alone or The Great Escape!

Saleem Sheikh, Senior Partner, GSC Solicitors

A Christmas wedding

“For me, Christmas is the time to reflect on what the past year has brought along – whether it’s a gain, a loss or a challenge. I am grateful for everything that I have and consider this time of year as the beginning of something new. This year, though, we will be celebrating in a completely different setting – in the heat of the Pakistan sunshine! It will be very hectic Christmas as it will almost immediately follow my son’s wedding! Wishing you all a lovely and relaxing Christmas and a prosperous New Year!”