When we catch up with TOWIE legend Amy Childs, she can barely contain her excitement as she opens up about her fabulous festive plans.

Amy, 33, will be hosting dinner for a whopping 18 members of her family, and, as it’s her eight month-old twins’ first Christmas, it’s fair to say she’s going to have her hands full.

The star – who is also mum to Polly, six, and five-year-old Ritchie from previous relationships – welcomed babies Amelia and Billy in April. She got engaged to their father, Billy Delbosq just weeks later.

Billy, who once appeared on First Dates, even enlisted the help of the twins when popping the question, dressing them in matching sleepsuits with the words, ‘Mummy will you marry my Daddy?’.

Here, the ever-bubbly Essex girl exclusively tells new about her festive family traditions, why this time of year always makes her emotional, and why it’ll take a lot to top 2023.

Hi, Amy! How will you be celebrating Christmas this year?

It’s a busy one for us this year as Bill and I are hosting 18 people for dinner. We’ve got all the family coming round, so things might get a little hectic. But, truthfully, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Christmas is all about family. Although, I’ve never cooked for 18 people before. Bill is taking me and the kids away for the night on Boxing Day for some chilled time.

This will be the twins’ first Christmas. Does that make it even more special?

Yes, definitely! It’ll be the best time ever. Last year I was heavily pregnant and carrying them. I remember thinking at the time, “Next Christmas will be the best one yet because they’ll be here.” I can’t believe how quickly time is going. They’ll be one in April, but it only feels like yesterday that they were born.

Are Polly and Ritchie counting down the days until Santa is here?

Yes, they’re very much in the Christmas spirit. The twins are a little bit young to understand it all, but Polly and Ritchie are loving it. They’re at perfect ages and just taking in all the magic.

What’s your favourite thing about the Christmas period?

My family. I think that’s why I’m not too worried about hosting for 18 – I just love being surrounded by them. I sometimes think the lead-up to Christmas is even better, because it’s so busy.

Do you have any festive family traditions?

We have lots! When it comes to the kids, Santa plays a big part in our house – he’s even paying a visit to our garden on Christmas Eve. We’ll also wear matching pyjamas. Then, for Bill and I, we do the same thing every year. We make – well, Bill makes – homemade sausage rolls and we have a few glasses of prosecco.

We also hear that you’ve partnered with Elf on the Shelf…

Yes, it became a tradition in our house three years ago. So many people ask me, “Are you not stressed thinking of ideas every day?” I’m like, “Not at all!”. It’s so much fun. Polly and Ritchie’s little faces in the morning just make it all worthwhile. We also had the Elf on the Shelf mascot visit us a few weeks ago and the kids loved it.

It sounds like a big hit! How do you think of ideas though?

So, I get the elf – her name is Rosie – set up every morning when I wake up at 6am. Thankfully there is a website to give you some ideas. That’s helped me a few times! Billy is also really into it – I didn’t expect him to be, but he’s thought of a few good ones.

Polly honestly sees the elf as one of her friends and really follows the rules, too. She makes sure that anyone who visits doesn’t touch the elf.

Do you find this time of year emotional?

It always makes me cry. The thing is, the kids aren’t going to be kids forever. Polly is six, which I can’t quite believe, so we’re soaking in as much magic as we can. I think we’ve got about five years left.

And what about your Christmas decorations? Have you gone all out this year?

OMG! Harry [Derbidge, Amy’s cousin] visited the other day and said, “Amy, you are Mrs Claus!” I’ve got baubles and bright lights everywhere, Christmas trees in most rooms, a huge wreath, everything. I think I’ve won the award for Christmas this year. I definitely didn’t go this extra six years ago before I had four kids.

Christmas can be a little stressful. Do you ever take time for yourself?

Life can be really full on at times with four kids and working as well, so it’s nice to have a night out every now and then. You can’t beat a night with the girls! However, for me, it’s all about family.

What about gifts? Do you and Billy splash out on each other?

We recently celebrated our two-and-a-half year anniversary, so we’ve decided this year to go to London for the night, just the two of Amy with Polly, Billy and the twins us. We’ll buy [gifts] mostly for the kids, but I hope there’s something under the tree for me, too.

It sounds like 2023 was a magical year for you. Do you think 2024 can top it?

This year has been amazing – we had twins and got engaged. I said to Bill, “It’ll be so lovely come New Year’s Eve to look back on the year we’ve had.” We are so grateful and it’s one that I’ll never forget in my life. But next year looks so exciting, too, as we’ve got the twins’ first birthday to celebrate!

Will we hear wedding bells, too?

[Laughs]That’s the question everyone keeps asking me, but there’s been no talk of a wedding yet. There’s no rush and I just want to cherish time with the kids while they’re growing up and not be spending that time planning a wedding.

At the minute, we are just happy being engaged. We’ll do it when we’ve got more time, but I don’t have that at the minute because things are very full-on. It can be tough at times, but I wouldn’t change anything for the world. I’m incredibly lucky.

Amy Childs has partnered with the one and only Elf on the Shelf to show parents how easy it can be to take part in this beloved tradition.

Source: Read Full Article