Christmas Heritage
22 Nov 2023
Author: SportscraftMarketing
This holiday season, Sportscraft celebrates the gift of presence. Since 1914, we’ve championed the unique Australian lifestyle, and when it comes to Christmas, no-one does it quite like we do.
Eric Otto has worked as Sportscraft’s Menswear and Kids Planner for over two years.
What’s the oldest tradition in your family?
Since I was a kid, my family always opened presents at midnight on Christmas Eve. Every single year. Though as time goes by, we open the presents a little bit earlier each year.
Is there a family recipe that Christmas Day wouldn’t be complete without?
Christmas Day wouldn’t be the same without Mum’s honey-glazed ham.
What does Christmas Day look like in your house?
Christmas Day is pretty hectic in my house as I live with a few roommates! It’s great because I get to spend the morning with them doing Friendsmas and then I head over to my parents for lunch. Usually, I’ll head over to another close mate’s place in the afternoon, then spend the night content and full of food.
What does Christmas Day look like in your house?
In my household, Christmas Day typically consists of coming together with family, the exchange of gifts, enjoying quality time and a festive meal.
What’s the oldest tradition in your family?
The longest-standing holiday tradition in my family involves unpacking the Christmas tree, the very same one we had when we were little kids. We decorate the tree with a collection of arts and crafts we created during our younger years, along with ornaments that hold sentimental value.
Is there a family recipe that Christmas Day wouldn’t be complete without?
Christmas Day wouldn’t be complete without my Pappou’s glazed turkey. It’s a beloved family recipe and a delicious centrepiece for our holiday feast.
Karen Allison has been executive assistant to Sportscraft’s CEO for almost five years.
How has your Christmas Day changed over the years?
Although I am very fortunate to have both my parents still with us, Dad is 86 and Mum is 83 so six years ago I took over the hosting of Christmas. Only problem is getting them up the stairs to my unit!
What’s the oldest tradition in your family?
‘Sweet Caroline’ by Neil Diamond is our family favourite. We all sing along, and sometimes my brother and I will have a dance together after a few drinks.
Is there a family recipe that Christmas Day wouldn’t be complete without?
My mother’s Christmas pudding and brandy sauce. The recipe has been passed down from my great-grandmother to my mother. It’s my favourite part of Christmas Day with family.
George Stephan has been the retail and commercial operations manager for almost three years.
What does Christmas Day look like in your house? How has it changed over the years?
I’ve lived interstate or overseas for almost 10 years now, so Christmas is usually the only time of year the whole family gets to be together. We all head to Noosa, and spend our time in the water, or within a few metres of it. Christmas Day is all about presents and food, with a splash in the ocean or pool in between. This year, we have two new additions to the family, so the house will be even more full of children, grandchildren, and dogs than ever!
Is there a family recipe that Christmas Day wouldn’t be complete without?
We’re a seafood family; a huge whole fish, prawns and oysters fill the table. My favourite is always the fish, with a tomato, basil and caper salsa spooned on top – perfect for a summer’s day. Obviously, it wouldn’t be Christmas without a leg of ham, a turkey and a Christmas pudding though!
