It’s more than baubles.
When I was seven, my mum bought me a little wooden teddy bear decoration from a Christmas shop in Disneyland, California. My name was neatly written across its tummy, and a tiny red ribbon was tied at the neck. That little bear has hung on every tree I’ve had since.
Why am I telling you this? Because that moment sparked a lifelong tradition – collecting Christmas ornaments from my travels.
But more than a keepsake, that little teddy bear is a lasting reminder of how Christmas constantly evolves with us. It’s a rich tapestry of our memories, values, and the world around us. The festive season gives us space to express our personalities and preferences – it’s deeply personal and beautifully individual.
And for brands, that makes Christmas a powerful opportunity – to become part of someone’s story.
Because Christmas is never just Christmas.
It’s a mirror. A moodboard. A cultural moment.
People make decisions – what they buy, how they decorate, where they spend, what they say yes to… all shaped by the cultural signals around them.
And those signals shift every year. Which means for small businesses, designers, stylists and creatives, there’s huge potential.
Not to chase every fleeting fad. But to connect more deeply. To show up in ways that resonate. To create offers that are heartfelt and relevant by leaning into carefully considered cultural trends that align with your brand vision.
That’s where I come in.
So, who am I?
I’m Hannah Bartlett: a year-round Christmas creator, writer and trend researcher.
I help small businesses and festive professionals grow with purpose in Q4, by aligning their offers, designs and brand story with the cultural moments and Christmas themes that matter most to their audience.
The path here hasn’t been linear, but every step now finds its place in what I do.
I trained as an accountant, working with SMEs, before moving into corporate audit in the hospitality sector. Along the way, I’ve also completed a Masters in ecology & conservation, and spent a decade volunteering in community fundraising and event management.
From financial strategy to storytelling and logistics, I learnt how to zoom in on the details and out to the big picture – asking the right questions to get to the heart of what really matters.
What I do.
In 2020, I founded Jolly Festive – a consumer-facing Christmas blog full of DIYs, recipes, family activities and festive adventures, all rooted in evolving traditions and Christmas trends. It’s become a trusted resource for media, brands and festive-loving audiences alike.
Now, as The Christmas Insider, I share clear, commercial insight grounded in what I track across the festive year – from what we gift and how we decorate, to the cultural and emotional signals shaping it all.
I help brands identify the Christmas trends that align with their values and audience, and translate that insight into purposeful, practical action for Q4 and beyond.
Who I work with.
The Christmas Insider is for you if you’re a:
Product-based business preparing for Q4;
Stylist or professional decorator;
Content creator or PR, working on festive campaigns;
Independent retailer, event planner, or designer;
Creative or founder who loves Christmas, and wants to make it count.
Whether you need a trend workshop, a Q4 strategy session, or expert insight for a campaign or publication, this is your place to start.
As seen in…
- The Giftware Association’s Gift of the Year Awards (Judge);
- Regular year-round contributor for BBC All England Radio;
- Channel 4, Times Radio, and other national broadcasts;
- Industry and consumer publications in the UK and US; and
- National conversations on Christmas trends, festive retail and seasonal behaviour.
Hi! I’m Hannah…
A year-round Christmas creator, writer and trend researcher.
I help small businesses and festive professionals grow with purpose in Q4, by aligning their offers, designs and brand story with the cultural moments and Christmas themes that matter most to their audience.
The path that led here.
The path here wasn’t linear. But every step has found its place in what I do now.
I trained as an accountant, working with SMEs, before moving into corporate audit in the hospitality sector. Along the way, I’ve also completed a Masters in conservation and spent a decade volunteering in community fundraising and event management.
From financial strategy to storytelling and logistics, I learnt how to zoom in on the details and out to the big picture – asking the right questions to get to the heart of what really matters.
Since 2020, I’ve been building Jolly Festive – a consumer-facing Christmas blog, while diving deep into festive behaviour, evolving traditions, and (of course) Christmas trends.
These days, I spend my year immersed in how we celebrate: from what we love and gift, to how we decorate and gather, and the cultural and emotional signals shaping it all.
And I help brands identify the Christmas trends that align with their values and audience, and translate that insight into clear, purposeful action for Q4 and beyond.
More than just baubles.
When I was seven, my mum bought me a little wooden teddy bear from a Christmas shop in Disneyland. My name was calligraphed on its belly, with a red ribbon at the neck.
That teddy still hangs on my tree every year.
And each time I unwrap it, I’m reminded that Christmas isn’t just about tradition. It’s a deeply personal mix of memory, meaning and culture.
From what we gift to how we decorate, every choice reflects who we are and what the season means to us right now.
That’s why how your brand shows up matters.
Because Christmas isn’t just a season.
It’s a story we rewrite, year after year.
And I’d love to help your brand becomes part of someone’s Christmas story, too.
Who I work with.
The Christmas Insider is for you, if you’re a:
Product-based business preparing for Q4;
Stylist or professional decorator;
Content creator or PR, working on festive campaigns;
Independent retailer, event planner, or designer;
Creative or founder who loves Christmas, and wants to make it count.
Whether you need a trend workshop, a Q4 strategy session, or expert insight for a campaign or publication, this is your place to start.
While You’re Here…
Support
Work With Me
Looking for workshops, strategy support or expert comment?
Insight
Join The Festive Brief
My email newsletter for brands who want to grow with purpose this Christmas.
Inspire
Explore Jolly Festive
Looking for consumer-facing content? Discover my DIYs, recipes, activities and festive adventures.
Support
Work With Me
Looking for workshops, strategy support or expert comment?
Insight
Take The Quiz
Find your festive strengths and get tailored tips to increase your visibility in Q4.
Inspire
Explore Jolly Festive
Looking for consumer-facing content? Discover my DIYs, recipes, activities and festive adventures.