As the most wonderful time of the year approaches, a familiar magic begins to fill the air – streets sparkle with twinkling lights, our favourite carols are on rotation, and homes become a tapestry of traditions. So, what exactly gives Christmas its special feeling, and how does it resonate so deeply with so many of us?

Inspired by responses from our community, our 2024 Christmas campaign, ‘Feels Like Christmas’, is a series of stories focusing on the moments, experiences, and objects that spark a special sense of Christmas in our hearts, where the warmth of the season is felt the most. Discover more reasons to love the season and watch our brand new Christmas ad here:

To celebrate the campaign, we also asked our Westfield team about their favourite traditions and the feelings, sounds, smells and sights that make it truly feel like Christmas! Whether it's setting up the Christmas tree, cooking seasonal family favourites, hearing the familiar sounds of laughter and carols, or the first scent of pine and gingerbread, we hope these feelings resonate with you too!

What is the one Christmas tradition that you could never give up?

Jillian, Marketing: Christmas Eve church service, usually the 9PM or 12AM mass, followed by a Filipino tradition spent with family or friends called Noche Buena. Noche Buena is typically a feast of various foods, games and karaoke and spending time with your loved ones.

Sheona, Concierge: Making shortbread because it celebrates my Scottish heritage and makes me feel close to family in the UK.

Faith, Marketing: Listening to the Christmas CDs I've had since childhood – A Motown Christmas and So Fresh: The Hits of Christmas 2008.

What are the smells that make it feel like Christmas?

Erika, Marketing: Cinnamon candles, pine, gingerbread and the smell of summer.

Marni, Customer Service: Glasshouse Dancing Sugarplums candle – we burn them each Christmas and now it wouldn't be Christmas without that scent.

Linda, Customer Service: Turkey and beef roasting in the oven!

What tastes and foods do you associate with Christmas?

Lauren, Marketing: Roasted meats and veg, gravy, my Uncle's famous pea dish, and cold prawns in a fresh bread roll with butter. Also, chocolate for breakfast!

Amy, Marketing: Our Christmas Eve spread – baked ham, pickled pears, stilton, cheddar, homemade mince pies, wine and port.

Brenda, Human Resources: On Christmas Day, at every Vietnamese barbeque, you'll see Nem Nuong (grilled Vietnamese pork sausage). It's deliciously sweet and savoury from the seasonings – definitely can't miss out on this!

What are some of the sights that let you know it’s Christmas?

Kim, Marketing: Decorations ALL over our house, inside and out! And light shows in the neighbourhood.

Caz, BrandSpace: My mum's Christmas tree – she has decorated her house the same for 20 years. I love going there during Christmas because it feels so festive.

Roger, Services: Westfield Christmas decorations and the tree going up in the centre!

What does Christmas sound like to you?

Tamika, Marketing: My mum and aunties laughing and talking over each other in the kitchen. I can hear it so clearly...and of course, the cheerful greetings from my family!

Jamie, Marketing: The sound of my sisters and I screaming along to Christmas songs.

Faith, Marketing: Bells! I feel like I only ever hear bells in Christmas carols and movies.

Here’s to the holidays – a season that reminds us that no matter how busy life gets, there’s always time for love, joy, laughter and a sprinkle of holiday magic.

Whether it’s meeting Santa for the very first time, finding perfect Christmas gifts for the whole family, or discovering an exciting festive event, explore how you can connect to the magic of Christmas at your local Westfield.

Learn more about Santa photos at Westfield and visit your local Westfield website to book a session.