Christmas Q&A: Tanya Ross

Cake decorator to the stars and the owner of multi-award winning cake decoration company, Novel-T Cakes, in Parkwood, in Tubber, on the Offaly/Westmeath border, Tanya Ross, was lucky enough to bake cakes for rapper Snoop Dogg following his concert in Dublin earlier this year. The local cake decorator previously made cakes for the likes of Bob Geldof, the late Shane MacGowan, John Sheehan and Conor McGregor, along with cakes for the Late Late Show and the Ray D'Arcy Show.

What is the build-up to Christmas like for you?

Well, like for so many people and businesses, it's always busy in the run up to Christmas, a little crazy, but part of the tradition. Madly trying to get all the work done, but also get all the family stuff done for Christmas too can be a juggling act. It's all worth it though when you get to the end of the madness, and then you really appreciate the down time with the family and friends and revel in the festive fun.

How and where will you spend Christmas this year?

I will be spending Christmas with my family at home, and my Mum who is over for Christmas too. I always do a traditional Christmas dinner for all of us, I love all the family traditions we have so I will be spending time with crazy people, games and laughter and enjoying all being together.

What does the Christmas season mean to you?

Christmas is a time for everyone to take some time out from very busy lives to catch up with each other, to reconnect (where needed) and to take stock of what is really important. I like to think that for some people, Christmas makes them a little more considerate, a little kinder and makes people think about others. I know it's not always the case, but I need to believe that.

Who is your Christmas hero?

That's a difficult one, I'm not sure it's one person specifically. For me the Christmas hero is the person who helps, the person who invites someone to Christmas dinner so that they won't be alone, the person who sees someone struggling and gives them a hand, the person that gives a Christmas memory to someone that may otherwise not have had one. Oh my goodness, Christmas makes me quite soppy.

What are you thankful for this year?

Now that is a long list, so I'll just say, I'm thankful that I have a family that I love, and that loves and supports me even when I have crazy ideas. I am thankful that we have a roof over our heads, food on the table and are safe and warm when there are many that aren't. On the business side, I am so thankful for the continued support of my lovely customers.

What's your favourite Christmas memory from times past?

So many memories, it's hard to pick a favourite. One of my favourites is from when I was a child, my brother, my cousins and I were all at my Granny's house on Christmas Eve and like all children, we were excitedly and noisily awaiting Santa. We heard a big bang on the roof, one of the adults said that the noise was from Santa's sled landing on the roof, so we all ran out to see if we could spot it. All of us came in after running around the outside of the house trying to see where Santa had landed on the roof. We then went back inside, disappointed that we hadn't seen him, until we saw the presents under the tree. I remember that excitement so clearly, the wonderment that we nearly caught Santa in the act, and the magic that we thought had happened while we were outside.

What's your best loved Christmas tradition?

I think it must be the Christmas dinner, all of us around the table chatting and eating, and then still sitting there talking and playing games until long after the food is eaten. Not too many times during the year that we get to do that.

Favourite Christmas song or movie?

I'm a sucker for many Christmas songs, probably because of the memories attached to them, but if I have to choose just one, then it's probably The Little Drummer Boy.

How will you ring in the New Year?

Not too sure yet, but whatever I do, it'll be with the family and I'm sure it'll be fun.

What's your big hope for 2024?

My big hope for 2024 is that my family and I get to the end of it, happy, healthy and grateful for the year that it has been.

I also wish that some of the horrific scenes, wars and cruelty that we have witnessed this year are resolved and not repeated.