A chat with Aunt Sandy Claus

For beloved chef, Emmy Award-winning TV host and QVC Q50 Ambassador Sandra Lee, 58, Christmas has a very special place in her heart. Every year, she transforms into 'Aunt Sandy Claus' a persona forged during a difficult time in her childhood-with the goal of filling the season with warmth and love. Here, her secrets to making the holiday, and every day, magical

- Bonnie Siegler

Sandra Lee will never forget her first Christmas memory: "It was a tree tinseled from top to bottom," she shares. Having been raised a Jehovah's Witness, Sandra had never celebrated Christmas until her father moved away and her mother's addiction issues left her in charge of her four younger siblings.

"When I was 12 years old, I became Sandy Claus to them," Sandra explains of that first year, when she got tickets at a church bazaar for free gifts. "Christmas became magical for me then," she recalls with a smile. “Everything becomes more special around the holidays, but I've learned that every single day is special and sacred, a time to say a prayer and light candles to understand your purpose." Here, Sandra shares her tips for staying stress-free and her little ways to add lots of cheer.

Check out Sandra's holiday QVC line