Christmas at The George
There’s a Danish word I come back to every winter: hygge.
You’ve probably heard it before, usually tied to chunky knits and mugs of something warm, but at its heart, it simply means the feeling of contentment and cosy togetherness. As Meik Wiking, author of The Little Book of Hygge, puts it: “Hygge is about creating a space where you feel safe, warm, and able to unwind.”
That, to me, is what Christmas really is, not the rush or the lists or the last-minute wrapping, but the quiet, glowy moments in between. And when I started bringing The George to life, I knew I wanted those moments to be part of it too.
A Tree in the Bay Window
I can’t help it: I’m a real-tree person.
Every December, I find myself choosing one with the same level of commitment some people reserve for picking a new car. The minute it’s standing proudly in the bay window, the whole room changes. Its scent fills the air, that unmistakable piney Christmas smell, and suddenly the apartment feels softer, gentler, full of welcome.
Dressing the tree is one of my favourite rituals. There’s something grounding about placing each ornament, stepping back, adjusting a light, then watching the whole thing come to life. And what I love most is knowing that the next person to open the door will see those warm twinkling lights and, just for a moment, feel The Feeling.
You know the one, that little lift in your chest that says: Ah. It’s Christmas.
Subtle, Not Shouty. Just How Christmas Should Be
I’m not someone who covers every surface in tinsel. The George isn’t that kind of space.
But you’ll find little touches woven into the corners: a hint of greenery here, a soft glow there, the kind of festive detail that doesn’t shout at you but still makes the space feel held. And yes… I’m sure they’ll multiply over the years. I know what I’m like.
Because while I adore Christmas, I also love calm.
Soft Lights & Slow Evenings
If I could bottle the feeling of a December evening, I would.
There’s something about the soft glow of the lights, the hush that settles over the night, and that moment when you finally sink into the warmth of the room. It’s a kind of ease that feels both simple and special, the very heart of hygge.
And honestly, those sofas help.
They’re the kind you can properly melt into, the ones that seem to hold you the second you sit down. Add one of the cosy throws draped over the arm, and suddenly you’ve created the perfect little nest for winter evenings. It’s the sort of atmosphere that invites you to curl up with a book, sip something warm, or just settle in and let the world outside fall away.
The Winter Wander + The Warm Return
One of my favourite Christmas-season joys is the winter beach walk.
There’s something about the North East coast in December, crisp air, wide skies, and that invigorating blast that wakes you right up. Take a wander along Whitley Bay beach, let the cold nip your cheeks, maybe grab a few photos of the winter light (it’s always stunning this time of year).
Then come back to The George, kick off your boots, and warm your hands around a hot chocolate. It’s such a simple little ritual… but it’s one of those small, perfect hygge moments that stay with you.
Christmas, Here
Christmas at The George isn’t grand or over-the-top. It’s honest. Warm. Thoughtful.
A real tree, gentle lights, the soft hum of the season settling in around you.
Whether you’re spending Christmas away for a change, visiting loved ones, or just gifting yourself a quieter place to unwind, I hope The George feels like a home you want to step into, and a place you’ll want to return to.
Here’s to festive nights, cosy mornings, winter wanderings, and the kind of Christmas that feels exactly right.
Merry Christmas x
@megsavagecreative ~ Christmas Shoot
@northumberland_adventures ~ Whitley Bay Shoot