FEATURES
MICHAEL LAING
Owner of Laing the Jeweller
Watching the sky on Christmas Eve to see if he could spot
KARINA BALDORF
Santa’s sleigh or waiting patiently at the Sunday school party
Owner of Kakao by K
for his name to be called to go up and meet Santa are two of
Michael’s earliest Christmas memories. And he remembers his
Copenhagen born Karina says a Danish tradition sealed her own children getting just as excited…
most memorable Christmas: “It was 1998. I won the ‘almond
What would be your perfect Christmas?
present’ which you win if you find a whole almond in the
December is like the World Cup for the jewellery industry so
Christmas dessert Ris a’lamande. No mean feat as there was
by the time we get to Christmas, I’m really glad to have the
loads of us and only one whole almond in the pudding!”
chance to relax. I’m lucky enough to be able to say I already
Any unusual Christmas traditions in your house?
have the perfect Christmas – my wife is a fabulous cook so
It isn’t unusual in Denmark, but after dinner we hold hands and
we’re guaranteed a delicious meal with fine red wine, time with
dance around the tree singing carols – it’s quite an amusement
my children and grandchildren and hopefully a snooze in front
to British visitors.
of the fire. Perfection.
What’s your earliest Christmas childhood memory?
What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?
A Fender Stratocaster guitar about four years ago. I’m a legend
In Denmark we celebrate on 24 December and don’t get any
in my own living room!
presents until that evening after dinner. But when you’re a child,
adults eat so slow…I knew it would be ages until I’d get any Most memorable Christmas?
presents. I remember being 10 and my mum having to give me I’ll never forget all those magical Christmases when our children
and my two hyper younger sisters a present in the afternoon
were young. Looking back, their excitement about Santa and
just to keep us quiet.
sheer enthusiasm was completely infectious and so much fun.
What’s the best gift you’ve ever received at Christmas?
Any unusual Christmas traditions in your house?
My fiancé always gets me something really good. In fact, he
My wife and I always exchange Christmas stockings.
gets it right every year, (so don’t let me down this year!). The
If money was no object, what would top your
worst was a nail travel kit from my gran, one of those you get
Christmas wish list?
free in magazines…I might get the flip-flops this year.
A Rodin sculpture for the garden!
Your aspirations for the year ahead?
What has been your biggest achievement in 2008?
Work hard, spend more time with friends and family and bring Launching Scotland’s largest specialist watch studio and bringing
more exciting designers to Edinburgh. the new concept of the Laing Boutique to Edinburgh.
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