Model and TV personality Penny Lancaster has given a candid glimpse into her family's Christmas celebrations with rock legend husband Rod Stewart, admitting to light-hearted festive feuds and cherished traditions.
Christmas Tree Tensions and Playful Pranks
Speaking to presenter Jenni Falconer on the Christmas special of her Routes podcast, the 54-year-old revealed that decorating the tree is a particular point of playful contention. Penny confessed that Rod, 80, enjoys winding her up by deliberately placing unconventional items like dustpans and brushes among the baubles.
"We kind of go through different colours for different years," she explained of their tree's theme. However, the mischief doesn't stop with Rod. Penny noted that annoyingly, her sons have picked up their father's cheeky habits. "The boys know mummy likes it done a certain way," she said, describing how they now also hang odd objects before "stepping back to see how mummy reacts."
Jenni Falconer sounded flabbergasted by the admission, but Penny assured her she has learned to stay calm. "Of course, I don't bite anymore," she laughed.
A Chef for Christmas Day and Family Roles
One key to a peaceful Christmas Day, according to Penny, is enlisting professional help in the kitchen. The family has a chef who comes in to cook the main festive feast, a revelation that prompted a gasp of "the dream" from host Jenni.
"Then I get to enjoy," Penny continued. "Because I've done all the prep to make everything perfect and I get to enjoy Christmas day... and not missing out." This allows everyone to play their part without the stress. She shared that Rod is "very good at laying the table," ensuring the Christmas crackers are out, while their sons help by ferrying dishes like potatoes from the kitchen.
Festive Traditions and a Grandmother's Joy
The couple's festive season is filled with beloved rituals. Penny revealed the family always visits a local farm to pick a couple of new decorations for their tree each year. She also loves attending Christmas carols on Christmas Eve, joining in with bell-ringing and singing 'Silent Night' by candlelight.
This year holds special significance as Penny embraces her role as a grandmother. In a separate chat with Hello magazine, she expressed her excitement about hosting a full house. "I'm very, very excited because Grandma is coming into play here," she said. Two of Rod's older children from America are travelling over with their young families, meaning the Essex home will welcome two two-year-olds and a nine-month-old.
To make it magical, Penny has booked local Christmas experiences, including a steam train ride and a lit-up garden visit with Father Christmas. "I've dressed the bedrooms all up with candy canes… I can't wait," she beamed, eagerly anticipating the chaos and joy of a multi-generational Stewart family Christmas.
