The extraordinary Mary Rich-Mass

all dressed up

In the world of luxury Christmas celebrations, decorating has been taken to a whole new level. Premium Christmas trees, often imported from the finest sources, are adorned with custom-made ornaments and stunning lighting that set the stage for a winter wonderland. Sophia Caroline, founder of Santa Stores, explains how Christmas decorations have evolved in India. “Luxury Christmas decorations are now combining global trends with local aesthetics,” says Caroline. “From premium imported Christmas trees to handmade ornaments, the goal is to create an experience that is both rich and personal.”

Luxury homes feature thematic designs like opulent gold and burgundy for a royal feel, or minimalist Scandinavian-inspired designs focused on simplicity and elegance. What sets these decorations apart is their level of personalization. But one thing remains constant: the emphasis on personalization. “Customers are looking for personalized jewelry with their family name or heirloom pieces integrated into the decor, for them, it’s about creating an unforgettable holiday experience that feels uniquely them,” says RareLily founder Aarti Nahar.
Bespoke elements like embroidered tree skirts, hand-painted baubles, and custom-designed nativity sets are staples in high-end homes. There is a growing trend to combine luxury with sustainability, as more customers look for eco-friendly options that still offer high-end aesthetics.

The cost of such extraordinary decoration is not insignificant. Decorate a luxury home for Christmas at Rs. 25,000 to Rs 200,000, depending on the customization level. Customization of jewelry, intricate lighting displays, and the inclusion of individual elements all contribute to the expense.

Redefining Gift Giving

When it comes to gift giving, the super rich take things to a whole new level. While most people may exchange gifts such as new tech gadgets or designer handbags, for those in the upper echelons of society, gifts can range from multi-million dollar yachts to private islands. These luxurious gifts are not just about the price tag – they symbolize exclusivity and a lifestyle of unparalleled privilege.

Yachts are one of the most coveted gifts, with Lürssen’s models, known for their opulence, costing upwards of $500 million. These floating palaces are equipped with everything from private pools and spas to movie theaters and staff, offering a level of accessible luxury. For those with an even bigger budget, private islands are now highly sought after, with some islands priced at over $10 million.

Presenting rare art

For those who prefer more traditional gifts, rare artifacts, high-end jewelry, and bespoke timepieces are valuable gifts. Watches like the Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime, which cost more than $30 million, or one-of-a-kind, tailor-made suits from Savile Row, are just a few examples of how the super-rich use Christmas to showcase their wealth and taste. . The Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime, which was given as a Christmas gift, is valued at $30 million. Luxury Channel reports that luxury timepieces have seen a surge in popularity during Christmas, with sales among the ultra-rich increasing by 20%.

It’s not just about the material value of the gift. For many, it is an experience that few can duplicate. For example, giving an heirloom-quality item, such as a rare painting or vintage luxury watch, is a gesture that transcends a physical gift, providing a piece of history or legacy that will last for generations.

Celebrating in style

For the super-rich, vacationing at Christmas time means indulging in exclusive, private escapes. Whether it’s a ski chalet in Switzerland, a secluded villa in the Caribbean, or a remote private island, these vacations offer an unparalleled level of luxury and privacy. “Unaffordable Christmas gifts often include luxury cars, personal jewelry, and special experiences like private island getaways, helicopter getaways and world tours,” says Yogita N. Goyal, founder and director, Pink Leaf Events, a luxury ski resort. Aspen, St. Moritz, and places like Courchevel are highly sought-after destinations, offering luxury chalets that come with all the bells and whistles: private chefs, butlers, and ski instructors are just some of the services available. Renting one of these lavish properties for the Christmas holidays can run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, often with meals prepared by Michelin-star chefs. “For the rich, it’s not just about going on vacation. It’s about an experience that few can access,” says Dhanashree Subedar, SEO expert.

Unparalleled experiences

When it comes to celebrating Christmas, even Santa Claus gets a luxury upgrade. For many wealthy families, the idea of ​​a “personal Santa” has become a holiday tradition. This isn’t a traditional department store Santa; Instead, it’s a private visit from a professional Santa who brings specially curated gifts for each member of the family. “Many choose decorating themes that combine traditional Christmas motifs with Indian aesthetics, such as incorporating intricate patterns or vibrant color palettes. Personalized nativity sets, embroidered tree skirts, and curated dining table setups with bespoke centerpieces are ways clients make their decor uniquely their own,” adds Caroline.