HOW A MOM FASHIONS CHRISTMAS

 

Touching up the Christmas tree. On Kay Gempesaw: Pink Cardigan & necklace from M&S Collection for Women, lace print blouse from Per Una, white pants from Autograph, gold shoes from Limited Collection.

Every mother embraces Christmas with twice as much dedication and love just to give her family a memorable and exciting holiday experience. Next to Santa Claus, Mothers are the busiest bodies during this time. At the start of this festive season --- which usually comes three months early --- we see mothers on the roll, laying out vacation plans and menu options, scouting for new Christmas ornaments, and meticulously jotting down names in the gift list.

The perfect hostess. Kay’s Red knitted top & Graphic print skirt from Per Una.

Come December, in between errands and everyday jobs, a mother still finds the time to redecorate the house, making it look more welcoming for family gatherings and dinner hostings. She could easily narrow down her menu options to culinary staples and celebratory favorites, yet she manages to reinvent recipes for that touch of originality and creativity to please her company. After she puts her family’s individual needs together, she her sets her foot in the long queue, buying gifts for everyone in her list.

“The holiday season has a way of fashioning things a bit more remarkable --- demanding extra attention to detail,” says Kay Gempesaw, a mother and entrepreneur.

 

Taking it easy as home. Kay’s ensemble from M&S Collection.

Baby Cakes and Fun Cuts keep Kay busy during the day, more so now that orders for Christmas confections have started to pile up by day. Parents also line up their children for a holiday makeover in Kay’s kiddie salon. Not that Kay is the designated hairstylist you see in action with handy-dandy scissors and comb, but she has to oversee the parlor’s operations in between baking. “We all want to look our best this season as celebrations are indeed in full swing. From office parties to reunion dinners and the much-awaited Noche Buena, this really is the season to be feasting and to socialize.” 

In their holiday look. On Kay: Blazer, formal top, black pencil skirt & accessory from M&S Collection for Women, shoes from Limited. On her husband, Tom: Tailored fit blazer & pants from Limited Collection; Tailored top & necktie from Autograph; leather belt & shoes from M&S Collection for Men.

Catering to business needs alone is time consuming, but Kay always makes time for family. Despite keeping up with the busy schedule at work, she passionately puts her heart into planning an enchanting Christmas for her husband, Tom, and kids, Chloe and Tomas.

 

 “To this day, I still find excitement in cooking for them and wrapping and sneaking in gifts under the tree at night when everyone is asleep. I pay heed to the little things that make my children and husband happy.  I try to veer away from the Christmas list and surprise them with something that they least expect getting. The smiles on their faces are just precious. Mothers know best, don’t you think?”

Christmas at the Gempesaws. On Tom: Navy Blue mock-shirt, maroon corduroy pants from M&S Collection; deck shoes from Blue Harbour. On Kay: Top & black pants from M&S Collection for Women, gold shoes from Limited Collection.

 “The holiday season is a marathon, not a sprint, and I just want to enjoy it rather than worry about getting through it. Christmas reminds us that we are all here for a purpose and for someone else besides ourselves. For me, my purpose in life is my family.”

To Kay, Christmas with the family will never be out of fashion. 


HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE FROM MARKS & SPENCER

Still caught in the holiday rush and can’t decide what to give to friends and family? Fret no more as Marks & Spencer gives you a world of possibilities that would make gift giving decidedly more festive.

Here we followed Kay and Tom Gempesaw and their kids, joyfully scanning through each section, in search for sophisticated scents, smart looking wearables, accessories, and decadent delights.

 
1. A wide range of cookies and chocolates kids and grown-ups will enjoy at the Food Hall of the M&S stores.

2. Saving some for Santa. Chocolates, chocolate coated cookies & Ginger Snaps are great holiday gift ideas.

3. The M&S Food Hall offers a wide variety of wines.

4. Men will always look good in neckties. Choose one or two for the man in your life.

5. Men’s grooming will never be out of style.

6. Women & perfumes will always make a perfect pair. Choose your scents from the wide offerings of toiletries at the M&S stores.

Photography: Wacky Masbad | Styling & Make-Up: Otoy Mercado

All clothes from Marks & Spencer
Store locations:

Level 1 of Abreeza Mall, J. P. Laurel Avenue, Bajada, Davao City
Telephone nos. 321-7231 to 32

Ground Floor of SM Lanang Premier, J. P. Laurel Avenue, Bajada, Davao City

Telephone no. 285-0654

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Story published on my newspaper column, Metro Mom.
A1, Indulge, Edge Davao, Vol. 6 Issue 198, 18 December 2013.