We visited designer and architect Amanda Betz and her family in a historic red-brick villa in Copenhagen in Denmark and got a glimpse of their Christmas traditions. For Amanda, the first signs of Christmas appear when it gets cold and dark outside and home becomes a cosy, relaxing place to retreat to after a long day.
At home in an old brick villa in Copenhagen
Amanda used to live with her husband and their two sons, Charlie and Eddie, in a charming flat in the heart of Frederiksberg in Denmark. But the family dreamed of living somewhere more spacious, with the freedom of a garden.
A few years ago at Christmas, their dream came true when they found the two-storey brick villa, built in 1935, up for sale. Since moving in, Amanda and her family have renovated large parts of the house, while taking care to preserve its historic and architectural character.
It was particularly important to the family that charming old details, such as the round arches between the kitchen and living room, were retained so that the house's origins would be preserved. One of the many joys the villa brings is plenty of space for friends and family.
Shaping, cutting, folding: Amanda creates works of art from paper
Amanda graduated in architecture from the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts and creates unique paper artworks, which won her the renowned VOLA award. So when it comes to decorating her home for Christmas, she naturally turns to her own handmade paper cuttings.
This also formed the basis of the collaboration between Ferm Living and Amanda – a partnership that has resulted in a collection of delicate, hand-folded paper ornaments that can be used to decorate the Christmas tree or anywhere else in your home.
Homemade Christmas decorations that bring back memories
Alongside her paper cuttings, every year Amanda decorates her house and Christmas tree with a mix of homemade, new and old ornaments, most of which have a story. Some are made by her two sons, others she received from her mother or grandparents, or made herself.
According to Amanda, the tree doesn't have to be perfect in any way – the most important thing is that it feels personal and brings back memories. That's exactly why her Christmas tree is decorated differently every year. Inspired by nature, she works in shades of red, white and green with elements such as fir wood, pine cones and twigs.
Traditions, rituals and plenty of time for friends and family
In the days leading up to Christmas, Amanda's family keeps up a number of traditions. First, the Christmas stockings are hung up – something the youngest members of the family especially look forward to.
Then they bake homemade chocolate and Christmas biscuits together. Each Sunday in Advent has its own little ritual: porridge for dinner and lighting candles together.
For Amanda, Christmas decorations and traditions allow children in particular to give free rein to their imagination. The mythology of elves and Father Christmas creates a magical atmosphere that lets even adults awaken their inner child.
Buying and wrapping Christmas presents is another special highlight for Amanda. She loves searching for gifts she hopes others will enjoy, and she savours every moment of wrapping, when she can give her presents a personal touch with her artistic creativity.
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Amanda, thank you so much for these fascinating insights – we wish you a peaceful Christmas season!
