Jamie Oliver reveals ‘weird’ family tradition at home with wife Jools and kids – exclusive

Jamie Oliver and his family typically assist us get into the festive spirit, inviting us into their properties because the beloved superstar chef shares his fantastic recipes in preparation for a singular Christmas like no different. But what precisely does the Oliver family’s Chrimbo appear like? Here the doting father and husband divulges what brings the family collectively and why the festive season might finish in tears. 

“Christmas is my favourite, because it’s the perfect time to get friends and family around the table and treat them to a beautiful dinner,” he stated in a brand new and exclusive interview with HELLO!. “Plus, it’s when most people that usually don’t cook, do!” 

© Steve Ryan

Jamie, who shares 5 youngsters with his wife Jools, additionally spilt the beans on how his associate takes pity on the “unwanted” Christmas timber. 

“Our family tradition of buying a Christmas tree is a little bizarre,” he shared. “We go to the same vendor every year in our hometown in Essex and Jools talks to the trees – she takes pity on the ones that aren’t pretty, the ones no one wants. 

“So yearly we come home with essentially the most uncommon-wanting tree, however Jools will embellish it till it seems unimaginable.” 

The couple, who are high school sweethearts, have been married since 2000. They have since gone on to welcome five children: Poppy Honey, 21, Daisy Boo, 20, Petal Blossom, 14, Buddy Bear, 13, and seven-year-old River Rocket.

© Steve Ryan

Despite Jools selecting the choice tree possibility, adorning the entire home is a family effort. However, like every other family, tensions can rise! “At our house, Christmas looks like everyone else’s,” added Jamie. “While decorating, it’s usually my job to do the lights, and I never really get them to work. 

“We get into arguments and somebody all the time begins crying, however ultimately we collectively gentle the lights and everyone seems to be glad. Then we take an image for Instagram and individuals write, ‘Gosh, what a beautiful, glad family.’ Haha!” 

Jamie then added: “In our house, we really go to town with Christmas trees. We end up with about five every year – two or three in the living room and a few in the rooms of the kids who still live at home.” 

© Steve Ryan

Over the years, the 48-yr-previous has all the time provided his favorite dishes to arrange for the special occasion. From roasties and gravy to Christmas pudding and rather more, searches for his “easy” recipes multiply throughout this time of the yr. And reasonably than switching issues up, the daddy-of-5 likes to maintain his personal menu conventional. 

“I wouldn’t say I have a go-to festive menu,” he stated. “There are certainly some big hitters that always appear on the table, but it’s nice to mix things up with the sides and puds. 

© Jamie Oliver

“Our dinner usually looks something like the pictures you see in my Christmas book – it’s almost a diary of my family Christmases past and all the stuff we’ve evolved and loved over the years.” 

Asked whether or not his youngsters assist with the cooking on Christmas Day, Jamie replied: “Do they heck! It’s me who cooks Christmas dinner, and often without any help. Occasionally they might, but usually not!” 

The star continued: “If you’re anything like me, you’re a Christmas traditionalist and your holy grail is great turkey, next-level gravy and amazing roast potatoes. Everything else is peripheral.”

When it involves present giving, there’s just one approach to preserve his wife glad. Jamie divulged: “The way to Jools’ heart is quite simple – chocolate! In my latest cookbook 5 Ingredients Mediterranean, I developed Jools’ chocolate pots (page 268) in her honour, so I’ll definitely be making a batch of those for my lovely wife.”

© Jamie Oliver Enterprises Ltd.

Fancy making Jools’ chocolate pots, head right here to see the total recipe.

5 Ingredients Mediterranean by Jamie Oliver is revealed by Penguin Michael Joseph © Jamie Oliver Enterprises Limited (2023, 5 Ingredients Mediterranean). Recipe images: © David Loftus, 2023