For three decades, a devoted father from North London has meticulously captured a simple yet magical Christmas moment, creating a priceless family archive that has now charmed the internet.
Richard Emery, 59, first pointed his video camera at the staircase on the Christmas morning his eldest daughter, Jess, was just one year old. What began as a single home video evolved into an unbroken 30-year tradition, documenting Jess and her younger sister, Rebecca, 27, as they walked down the same stairs in their family home in Barnet every festive 25th of December.
A Sentimental Journey in Minutes
The resulting compilation, shared online by Jess Emery, now 30, condenses three decades of growth, changing fashions, and fleeting childhood moods into a few poignant minutes. The video, set to the soulful track 'Where Love Lives' by Alison Limerick—famously used in a John Lewis Christmas advert—shows the sisters evolving from toddling infants into adults.
Jess revealed the tradition was sparked by her mother, Vera, 62. "For my first Christmas coming down the stairs my mum said to do it," Jess explained. "My dad filmed absolutely everything... He's always documented our lives very well."
From Teenage Reluctance to a Cherished Ritual
The film honestly captures the full arc of childhood, including those famously reluctant teenage years. "When you go through the teen years you're like 'I don't want to be here doing this'," Jess admitted, noting viewers have picked up on the sisters' momentary 'can't be bothered' moodiness.
Despite now living away from the family home, the tradition remains sacred. Both Jess and Rebecca make a point of returning on Christmas Eve to ensure they are there for the iconic stair walk on Christmas morning, a testament to the ritual's enduring significance.
Overnight Viral Sensation and Lasting Legacy
Although the clips were originally edited together as a birthday gift for Rebecca a few years ago, Jess decided to share the video on social media this week. The response was staggering, with the video amassing 300,000 views overnight and even attracting a comment from John Lewis.
Richard, a keen editor, was unaware of the online frenzy as he doesn't use TikTok. The family has been screenshotting the flood of positive comments to show him. "He's finally getting recognition for something he's done," Jess said. "He's loving it."
Richard expressed his amazement, stating, "I'm just stunned people picked it up; it's hit the heartstrings somewhere." His original plan was to one day play the compilation at his daughters' weddings to gently embarrass them.
The heartwarming project has inspired countless viewers, with many commenting that they have saved the video as a reminder to start a similar tradition with their own families, ensuring this simple act of parental love will create new memories for years to come.
