Sarah McDonnell, editor

Warm and grounded and happy inside. That Avoca has captured an actual feeling is testament to the incredible people who created Avoca and those who keep that feeling alive. If you’re feeling a bit bruised or untethered, a visit to any Avoca destination for coffee and cake, each unique and lovely in its own way, will likely fix you, and how many places can you really say that about? If Dr Tony had left branches of Avoca open throughout this year, we’d all be psychologically better off.

I associate this lovely, long-awaited time of year with feeling very #HappyAtHome: pottering, spending time with my children, watching the Harry Potter films for the umpteenth time, cooking, eating, making cocktails on a weekday, icing the cake in a haphazard fashion, putting fairylights everywhere I can find a free socket. The Christmas holidays are just about the only time I might spend the entire day reading, drifting from sofa to table to sofa and back again, with a break only for a scented bath so hot it turns my feet red. Deep relaxation.

Other things that give me that #AvocaFeeling include a store-closing-time dash to buy a second Christmas tree with my daft pal, the Queen of Christmas prep (her napkin origami has to be seen to be believed) my nephew handing me a G+T tinkling with ice, our silly chickens huddling for warmth under the kitchen window, strong coffee, rosemary focaccia, a snowman, a brisk walk, a log fire, an icy dip in the sea, a good bookshop, breakfast by a warm Aga on a cold morning. And this year I realise just how much I have missed a proper, heartfelt hug, like the one my brother-in-law gave my lovely auntie last Christmas.

Penny McCormick, deputy editor

I believe clothing can transport the wearer to different places and memories. Wearing this Avoca scarf takes me back to a wonderful trip I had on the Belmond Grand Hibernian, when I was given it by Clodagh McKenna. It couldn’t have been a more perfect gift as I love tartan, especially at Christmas.

I’ve worn this particular scarf most often when taking our dog, Copper, for a walk. This photo has turned out to be quite poignant – taken just a week ago, it was in hindsight my last walk with Copper before she became ill and died suddenly. Because pets are important family members my #AvocaFeeling is sentimental … I’ll keep wearing my scarf in memory of her and the many walks we enjoyed around Hillsborough Forest Park.

Tracy Ormiston, advertising director

Almost ten years ago we celebrated my brother’s 50th birthday in a lovely hotel in Wicklow with friends and family joining us from all over the world.

En route to the hotel we stopped in Avoca in Kilmacanogue to collect my brother’s birthday cake, on the obligatory walk through I spotted this beautiful bathrobe and knew I had to have it.

Another brother who was with me was quite surprised and as we neared the till asked are you really buying this and not just the cake, I said it’s so lovely I have to! It is the cosiest loveliest robe I have owned (and I have eight in varying lengths and fabrics!) Christmas time makes me love it even more, a time to stop, reflect and relax with loved ones is the best time of all. This is my Avoca feeling.

Sarah Halliwell, beauty editor

TS Eliot said it best. I’ve always loved the line about measuring out your life in coffee spoons ever since I was a teenager, when we forged lifelong friendships through endless hours talking over drinking strong black coffee. And catching up with friends, however distantly, has been more valuable than ever this year. Whether it’s to warm up after a breathtaking sea swim, or as a mid-morning energy jolt, a cup of coffee always goes a long way. The benches overlooking the sea in Monkstown have been a great coffee spot this year. Some of my favourite coffee moments this year have been at Powerscourt in Co Wicklow, where you can pick up your cappuccino from the Avoca hatch and head down to the lovely peaceful river walk (you need to be a member – membership makes a great Christmas gift) – the dogs love it down there and we can meet my beloved parents-in-law and catch up at a distance. Coffee makes everything better.

Aislinn Coffey, style editor

There is nothing more exhilarating than a day spent on the sea. I could not wait to jump onboard as soon as the relevant restrictions were lifted. There is such a thrill in heading out into the far corners of Dublin Bay when the skies are clear and blue (summer or winter), and your sails fill and your speed picks up. It’s known as a Champagne sailing kind of day. By the time you finish three or four action-packed hours, you’ve earned a proper lunch. Usually, myself and my husband, he’s the real sailing deal, pick up our coffees en route at Avoca Monkstown. I still get giddy, I get butterflies at the thought of the exciting day ahead.

Síomha Connolly, digital editor

Despite being a difficult year, there was a lot of reasons to smile in 2020. I learned to love the beauty of the everyday and found weekly rituals that helped to keep me afloat. In a world so hectic we can often forget to just pause and take it all in. During lockdowns I loved taking time to go for walks on the beach or in the park and cycles along the coast. I loved waking up to beautiful sunrises each morning, enjoying the good weather while it was here and spending as much time as possible outdoors, gathering for picnics in the park and friends’ back gardens when restrictions eased. This year has also showed us just how important family is and I loved having the opportunity to spend more time together when we could. These are the things that fill us up more than anything else. The distance and time apart makes our gatherings so much more special now. I’m so looking forward to the Christmas break which means more time in my parents’ house with everyone around. Christmas is always a special time for our family, we spend time together cooking, eating, playing cards, and going for walks. All of this combined makes up my #AvocaFeeling.