The extravagant merry rich-mas

All Decked Up

In the world of luxury Christmas celebrations, décor is taken to an entirely new level. Premium Christmas trees, often imported from the finest sources, are adorned with custom-made ornaments and stunning lighting that set the stage for a winter wonderland. Sophia Caroline, founder of Santa Stores, explains how Christmas decorations in India have evolved. “Luxury Christmas decorations are now blending global trends with local aesthetics,” says Caroline. “From premium imported Christmas trees to hand-crafted ornaments, the goal is to create an experience that’s both opulent and personal.”

Luxury homes feature themed designs, such as opulent gold and burgundy for a royal feel, or minimalist Scandinavian-inspired designs that focus on simplicity and elegance. What makes these decorations stand out is their level of personalization. But one thing remains constant: the emphasis on personalization. Aarthi Nahar, the founder of RareLily says, “Clients are increasingly opting for personalized ornaments with their family names or even heirloom pieces integrated into the decor, For them, it’s about creating a memorable holiday experience that feels uniquely theirs,” she says.
Bespoke elements like embroidered tree skirts, hand-painted baubles, and custom-designed nativity sets have become staples in high-end homes. There is a growing trend of combining luxury with sustainability, as many clients seek eco-friendly options that still deliver on the high-end aesthetic.

The cost of such extravagant décor is not insignificant. Decorating a luxury home for Christmas can range from Rs 25,000 to Rs 200,000, depending on the level of customization. Customization of ornaments, intricate lighting displays, and the inclusion of personalized elements all contribute to the expense.

Redefining Gift-giving

When it comes to gift-giving, the ultra-wealthy take things to a whole new level. While most people may exchange gifts like the latest tech gadgets or designer handbags, for those in the upper echelons of society, presents can range from multi-million-dollar yachts to private islands. These luxurious gifts are not just about the price tag — they symbolize a lifestyle of exclusivity and unmatched privilege.

Yachts are among the most coveted gifts, with models like those from Lürssen, known for their opulence, costing upwards of $500 million. These floating palaces come equipped with everything from private pools and spas to movie theatres and staff, offering a level of luxury that few can access. For those with an even higher budget, private islands have become a sought-after present, with some islands priced at over $10 million.

Rare Art Presents

For those who prefer more traditional gifts, rare art pieces, high-end jewellery, and bespoke timepieces have become prized presents. Watches like the Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime, which costs over $30 million, or one-of-a-kind, tailor-made suits from Savile Row, are just a few examples of how the ultra-wealthy use Christmas to showcase their wealth and taste. The Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime, which has been gifted during Christmas, is priced at $30 million. The Luxury Channel reports that luxury timepieces have seen a rise in popularity during Christmas, with sales up by 20% among the ultra-wealthy.

It's not just about the material value of the gift. For many, it’s the experience that few can replicate. For example, giving an heirloom-quality item, such as a rare painting or a vintage luxury watch, is a gesture that transcends the physical gift, offering a piece of history or legacy that will last for generations.

Celebrating in Style

For the ultra-wealthy, vacationing during Christmas is all about indulging in exclusive, private escapes. Whether it’s a ski chalet in Switzerland, a secluded villa in the Caribbean, or a remote private island, these vacations offer an unparalleled level of luxury and privacy. “Extravagant Christmas gifts often include luxury vehicles, personalized jewellery, and exclusive experiences like private island getaways, Helicopter rides to a secret location or World tour,’’ says Yogita N Goyal, Founder and Director, PINK Leaf Events High-end ski resorts in places like Aspen, St. Moritz, and Courchevel are highly sought-after destinations, offering luxury chalets that come with all the bells and whistles: private chefs, butlers, and ski instructors are just a few of the services available. The cost of renting one of these lavish properties for the Christmas holiday can reach into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, with meals often prepared by Michelin-star chefs. “For the affluent, it’s not about just going on a vacation. It’s about an experience that few can access,” says Dhanashree Subhedhar, a SEO specialist.

Unmatchable Experiences

When it comes to celebrating Christmas, even Santa Claus gets a luxury upgrade. For many affluent families, the idea of a “personalized Santa” has become a holiday tradition. This isn’t the traditional department store Santa; rather, it’s a private visit from a professional Santa who brings gifts that are specially curated for each family member. ‘’Many choose decor themes that blend traditional Christmas motifs with Indian aesthetics, such as incorporating intricate patterns or vibrant colour palettes. Personalized nativity sets, embroidered tree skirts, and curated dining table setups with bespoke centrepieces are some of the ways clients make their decor uniquely theirs,’’ adds Caroline.

There are custom holiday concerts or private Christmas light shows, designed specifically for the family’s home. These unique holiday experiences are tailored to fit the family’s desires, whether it’s a private orchestra playing Christmas carols or a personal chef preparing a gourmet feast. For the ultra-wealthy, it’s not just about celebrating Christmas — it’s about crafting a magical, personalized experience that reflects their lifestyle.
For the ultra-wealthy, Christmas isn’t just a time for giving — it’s a time for indulgence, luxury, and celebrating their privileged status in the world.