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I love Christmas so much but the reasons why have certainly changed
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Dominique McMullan has always been a lover of the festive season, but the reasons why have shifted over the years.
I used to think Christmas was built from very late nights, packed pubs and a candy cane iCal packed full of events. I loved it, the whole season felt like a glittery race to a turkey. There was spontaneity and raucousness and I said yes to everything because time felt completely endless. It was a LOT of fun. I was going to say I wouldn’t change it for anything, but actually, there are probably one or two nights I would edit out if I had the chance. But moving on…
Somewhere along the way, the rhythm shifted. Not suddenly, but very gently. The first few Christmases as a mum, I still ran at the same pace. I did the late nights, and matched them with the early mornings. I was (very) tired but happy. But these days, Christmas has begun to take a softer shape. It is less about the sparkly whirlwind and more about noticing the moments that anchor me.
Christmas with children is magic. But not in the ways you think. Those planned Instagram moments – the Santa visits and the matching outfits by the perfect tree – they so rarely work as you want them to (and the sooner you realise that, the happier you will be!). Instead, the magic moments come on the sick days, snuggled under a duvet beside the tree, with the world stopped outside. The magic moments are found in grumpy faces refusing to sing in the nativity while younger siblings belt their hearts out from the audience. The magic moments are found in the quiet before sunrise, when a chubby hand brushes your cheek and tells you it loves you because you have a beard like Santa Claus.
I have also discovered a newfound appreciation for the gentle rituals that used to get lost in the rush. Carol singing at church on Christmas Eve. Long lunches with old friends where the conversation meanders. Walks where the cold air stings and you feel so grateful simply to be present and see a blue sky. Stormy evenings when the wind howls and you are safe and cosy with nowhere else to be. Mince pies!
Another special part of Christmas for my family this year is making the most of our quality time together, especially on our many drives throughout the season. That’s why I’m especially grateful for our Peugeot 5008, and for all the ways it helps us – from voice control playing Christmas music on the way to get the tree, to the hands-free entry that is so helpful this time of year (when my arms are full of yet another food shop!)
I still love the fun and the sparkle when it arrives, but now the heart of Christmas is found in smaller, slower places. With my little family. In my gorgeous community. In ordinary moments that have become the ones I now treasure. Maybe that is what growing up looks like. Maybe it’s knowing how precious it all is. Not losing the joy, but finding it was there all along.
PEUGEOT 5008 – Bringing French flair to family driving
Spacious Elegance for Seven
The 5008 Hybrid doesn’t compromise on comfort, it offers a full seven-seat layout with generous proportions. Whether you’ve got kids, guests or a weekend lot of luggage, it handles it in style.
Luxury Meets Technology: Panoramic i-Cockpit
At the centre of its cabin is a sweeping 21-inch curved HD display that blends driver instrumentation and touchscreen interface. It’s more than functional, it feels like being inside a piece of modern design.
Smart Hybrid Efficiency
In everyday driving the hybrid version can run in fully electric mode for up to half of your urban journeys, delivering lower emissions and better fuel efficiency without you having to plug it in manually.
Premium Styling Details
From the Pixel-LED headlights to ambient cabin lighting, gloss-black roof rails and elegant materials (leather-effect trims, Alcantara touches in the higher trim), the car offers everything you expect from a luxury driving experience.
Modular Luxury Seating
The second row is not just one bench, it slides, tilts and reclines, allowing easier third-row access and comfort for passengers. It gives you flexibility whether you’re hauling children, gear or both.
Advanced Safety & Driving Aids
With features like a 360°-vision/drive-assist pack, adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go, lane-keeping aids and blind-spot monitoring, it dresses up its family-friendly appeal with mature tech.
Navigation, Smart Connectivity & Comfort
Wireless smartphone integration (CarPlay & Android Auto), wireless phone charging, keyless entry (“Open & Go”), amenities that are less about show, more about easing the small hassles of daily life.
The new Peugeot 5008 is a practical yet stylish 7-seater family car to suit every need, available in hybrid or fully electric. The 5008 was recently crowned as “Best Family Car 2025” in the National Parenting Product Awards. To discover it for yourself, visit peugeot.ie
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