Mollie King says she’s ‘taking nesting to the extreme’ on maternity leave as she shares one Christmas wish

Mollie King, The Saturdays sensation, is positively glowing as she gears up to welcome her second child, all while keeping up with her two year old whirlwind, Annabella. Despite feeling the strain of her pregnancy during these final months, Mollie tells OK! that Christmas is a time that means more to her than just the holiday traditions.

She claims that she enjoys being with her family and completely shutting off, explaining how difficult it is for her to relax in the hustle and bustle of life. “I find it difficult to slow down and turn off generally because everyone in our lives is busy, but I think Christmas is the ideal time for that.” Mollie, who has been engaged to cricket star Stuart Broad since January 2021, has even managed to squeeze in some spinning tunes for the American Express Shop Small celebration while she is currently on leave from her BBC Radio 1 presenter duties.

Hi Mollie! How are you physically coping with taking maternity leave?

Right now, I’m physically exhausted. I’m running after a toddler 24/7 or carrying a baby in my belly, but the combination unquestionably keeps me moving! A great treat to sit down in the evenings each night.

When the time comes, are you all prepared and prepared?

I wish I could say that the hallway where my pregnancy bag was safely placed was packed, but being me, I don’t do things in half. In these final few months of pregnancy, I’ve decided to also renovate a portion of the house! Taking “nesting” to the extreme. So, there’s quite a bit to do still, time is of the essence!! !

What’s your own favourite childhood memory from Christmas? What customs have you maintained?

I enjoy watching Home Alone with my two older sisters because it reminds me of when I was a child. I’m sure it won’t be long before my daughter will be doing something similar to the way my sisters and I used to do Christmas plays in our living room every year with singing and dancing for our parents and grandparents.

What lessons about Christmas, beyond presents, do you try to impart to Annabelle? Have you ever visited Santa Claus before?

Although Annabella is still very young, I would like to take away from Christmas that it is a time for giving back and being with loved ones. It’s not about the materialistic things, it’s about the simpler things, which shouldn’t be taken for granted. Even the most basic family traditions, such as the one where we have lunch together, are extremely important. She has already adored our previous collaboration, which we have already taken advantage of.

She has seen Christmas firsthand, which is incredible because it feels like she has done it for the first time, which is really special. We’re off to see Father Christmas very soon, which I’m ridiculously excited about! As she ages, I can’t wait to share the magic that Christmas brings her.

What’s your own Christmas wish?

My wish is for Annabella’s Christmas to be just as special as ever because we are expecting a second child around Christmas.

What do you find difficult?

It can be a bit of a rush to sort everything out before the break, like everyone else; this year I’ve been getting ready for maternity leave and the arrival of our new baby, so it’s been a lot! I keep telling myself that it will all come together eventually.

Do you take time out to pause and reflect? How so?

I’m making a lot of effort at this right now. I now understand how crucial that is because of having my daughter. I’ve always had the ability to pause and be grateful when good fortune strikes me, but having my daughter has shown me how quickly time fly and how crucial it is to stop and reflect.

Have any of the suggestions you gave for reducing from one to two been put into practice? !

I have purchased a lot of books to try to explain what’s to come, as well as books I haven’t yet read about how to deal with two because I’m a real over-thinker and worrier at times. !

Annabella turned two recently, how would you describe the last two years?

Our daughter’s arrival in the world has been our highest high. I always wanted to be a mum, so it’s been a dream come true! I’ve never known a love like it…Stuart doesn’t mind me saying that, haha! Being herself has truly amazed me how much she has been able to bring joy and hope through some of the most difficult times. I cycled from London to Hull, my late Dad’s hometown, for Comic Relief, which was something I will never forget and for which I am so grateful to all those who helped raise that amount.

Why did you sign up for the American Express Small campaign? Why do you value small-scale shopping?

As we begin making purchases or trips during the holiday season, I believe it is crucial to support the local businesses that make up our high streets. Make the effort to support small independent businesses who take great care in the selection of the goods they provide by visiting your favorite independent business or trying something new. It’s a great time to get involved because small businesses are the backbone of our communities and American Express encourages everyone to shop small.

How did you find the energy at your recent DJ gig? !

This was the perfect way to wrap up everything work related this year. It was lovely to see people supporting a small business while having fun and knowing the music would give me energy.

What do you hope will happen in 2025?

I hope to learn, pretty rapidly, how to look after two little ones at the same time. I am incredibly excited. I’ve got a lot of exciting work projects in the works, including many for Radio 1. In the spring, I have a project I can’t wait to launch with Matt Edmondson.

American Express presents Small Business Saturday Sessions in the headliner role: Mollie King. The Sessions are a part of American Express Shop SmallTM, a renowned campaign that encourages people to support small businesses wherever they are in the world by supporting local high streets and enjoying the advantages of “shopping small.” Visit www. for more details. americanexpress.com/en-gb/benefits/shop-small/.

Source: Mirror