Rachel Khawaja reveals unconventional Christmas traditions amid cricket season

From early decorations in Brisbane to joining Usman at the MCG, the Khawaja family creates their own special traditions while embracing the unpredictability of the festive period.

Rachel Khawaja says juggling the balance between hectic cricket seasons and Christmas is all about creating a special time for her and husband Usman’s two kids.

For the family of four, including their two young girls, Aisha, 3 and Ayla, 19 months, the festive season is marked by the balance of family joy and the commitments of an international sports career.

“Coming into this time of year, that’s when our schedule starts to ramp up significantly,” Rachel said.

Rachel Khawaja with 19-month-old Ayla and three-and-a-half-year-old Aisha in front of their Balsam Hill Christmas tree. Picture: Richard Walker

The Khawajas’ Brisbane home remains quiet during the festive season, as the family often finds themselves in Melbourne for the Boxing Day Test match.

“We never know from one year to the next where we’ll be at Christmas time,” Rachel said.

But their efforts to create a special atmosphere for the girls includes decorating their home with a stunning Balsam Hill tree early.

Rachel Khawaja with 19-month-old Ayla and three-and-a-half-year-old Aisha decorating their Balsam Hill Christmas tree. Photo: Supplied.

“I put my tree up extra early this year, I put it up at the start of November, trying to make Christmas time as special as I can, even though we’re not here on Christmas Day,” she said.

“It was too beautiful … I just wanted to enjoy it for as long as I could, and the girls love it, they got so excited.”

Christmas Day itself always starts with present-opening and then joining Usman at a training session.

“In the morning, we will wake up, the girls will have their snacks, and then we’ll do presents,” she said.

“The kids just have a ball (at training) … the team puts on a bit of a lunch for everyone.”

“By the afternoon, he (Usman) sort of switches over to game mode.

As they look ahead to 2024, the Khawajas plan to enjoy a quieter year with hopes of a family holiday.