Tokyo hotel packed with festive fun for my family

As well as preparing to celebrate the festivities, December is a special month in my house for another reason.

It was my son Ryan's 21st birthday earlier in the month. He's been working away for the last six months, so it was great to have him home. This is the first year we won't be with him on Christmas Day, as he's working down south.

As many mums out there will understand, it feels quite strange that we won't all be together and it's given me time to reflect.

I lost my father when I was very young around Christmastime. Because of this, as I grew up and had my own family, it's always been important for us to spend it together.

It got me thinking about what has been our best Christmas together; it's a really tricky one because we always have a lovely time.

After a lot of thought, I think it would have to be in 1995 when we spent Christmas in Tokyo before heading to Australia to see my husband's brother.

I was on a promotional tour and remember having to hide all the children's presents in the suitcases without them seeing. We had to quickly hide them away as soon as we arrived at the hotel.

As far as my daughter Natalie was concerned, going to Japan was the best possible Christmas present so she really wasn't expecting anything else.

Ryan was four at the time and didn't think we'd be celebrating it at all because we were in a different country.

The record label tried to make the hotel room as homely for us as possible. They put up decorations and there was even a real Christmas tree in the living room.

On Christmas morning, we dressed Ryan smartly in a little suit and waistcoat. He looked so cute. When he and Natalie both came into the living room and saw the presents under the tree their faces were a picture.

Ryan couldn't believe it. He yelled, 'How did Santa get in?'(there was no chimney).

Tony simply replied, 'He parked on the roof and took the lift.'

And that's how our day began. Despite being so far from home the whole day was so special. These are the kind of moments I'll treasure forever.

It was the day after Boxing Day that we flew on to Australia. That was another shock to the system because it's summer there. Waking up in Melbourne to 30 degree heat and seeing colouful parrots in the trees was unforgettable. As I am sure you can imagine this was a Christmas and new year I'll never forget.

So, as we approach 2014 and I look back on this year, it's certainly had its ups and downs. However, I'm always grateful for small mercies.

And I have so much to look forward to next year. It's my 30 year anniversary in showbiz so there's lots planned to celebrate that.

I've thoroughly enjoyed the last few months of writing for the Star. I hope I've kept you all entertained and will continue to do so next year.

In the meantime, I'd like to take the chance to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year.