Celebrities share their Christmas festivities on social media

It's a Will Smith Christmas! The Smith Family celebrated in true "elf" style. Photo / Instagram

Celebrity life is no longer a private affair thanks to Instagram, with many celebrities proudly posting their choices of fashion, food, vacations, and even romance news on the visual platform.

So it's little wonder that stars are sharing their own personal holiday traditions when it comes to Christmas.

We visited the Instagram accounts of some of our favourites to see how they decorated, dressed, and entertained at Christmas.

From Mariah Carey to Hillary Clinton — here are some of our favourite stars embracing the festive season with joy.

All I Want For Christmas Is You singer Mariah Carey has become synonymous withy Christmas due to her hit song, and she posted that she, too, was "waiting patiently" for Christmas Day.

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Waiting patiently ☺️🎅🏼🦌❄️ #MerryChristmas

A post shared by Mariah Carey (@mariahcarey) on Dec 25, 2018 at 5:26am PST

Former "Scary Spice" Mel B looked very cuddly and approachable as she spent Christmas Eve lounging on the couch in red tartan PJs and literally laying low. Her right arm showed that she's still very much recovering from her recent fall down a flight of stairs.

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Xmas Eve yippppeee!

A post shared by Scary Spice Mel b (@officialmelb) on Dec 24, 2018 at 2:17pm PST

Kylie Minogue posted a pic of herself with Paul Solomons, creative director of British GQ, and fans seem delighted that the princess of pop has finally found true love with a very tall and very cute "elf".

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All I want for Christmas is ... ❤️

A post shared by Kylie Minogue (@kylieminogue) on Dec 25, 2018 at 3:54am PST

Taylor Swift's boyfriend Joe Alwyn was nowhere to be seen these holidays — either due to his hectic filming schedule or her crazy touring schedule. But Tay-Tay posted a homey pic of her cuddled up to her cat instead.

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Purry Christmas 💗

A post shared by Taylor Swift (@taylorswift) on Dec 25, 2018 at 5:14am PST

For many celebs, Christmas is a family affair, and no one did it better than Will Smith's family who went over the top Christmas crazy with elf attire — and even the kids joined in.

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I have loved “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” my whole life! Nobody in my house would Sing it with me. I made Cue Cards & Everything. 📹: @westbrook

A post shared by Will Smith (@willsmith) on Dec 23, 2018 at 9:39am PST

Naomi Watts posted a mysterious meme suggesting that this time of year might be just a little overwhelming for those with family and posted a portrait of herself and her brother wearing matching Game Of Throne jumpers.

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Fark! The feral angels win... !! 😡 Happy Holidays everyone xx Here’s my #parentingfail #fortnite #grinch

A post shared by Naomi Watts (@naomiwatts) on Dec 24, 2018 at 11:43am PST

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Merry Christmas from Ben @wattsupphoto and Moi x in our @gameofthrones Xmas sweaters!! ❤️🎄❤️

A post shared by Naomi Watts (@naomiwatts) on Dec 25, 2018 at 9:29am PST

Nicole Kidman's posted a portrait of marital bliss with her husband Keith Urban, their kids nowhere to be seen.

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Wishing you love, laughter and joy 🎄❤️

A post shared by Nicole Kidman (@nicolekidman) on Dec 25, 2018 at 7:49am PST

Reese Witherspoon's family looked picture perfect in a posed family portrait that suggest that the Big Little Lies star and producer has it all.

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Merry Christmas from my family to yours! 🎄❤️😄 On this Christmas Eve, I’m sending you holiday wishes for a day filled with love and laughter — the important things that remind us how blessed we all are. And I’m sending extra special wishes of light & love to anyone out there who needs it! ✨❤️🎄

A post shared by Reese Witherspoon (@reesewitherspoon) on Dec 24, 2018 at 10:26am PST

And when it comes to having it all and bragging about it, nobody does it better than Kylie Jenner with her ginormous gold Christmas tree.

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gold is the theme this year ✨ thank you @jeffleatham and team for never failing to make christmas magic happen..

A post shared by Kylie 🤍 (@kyliejenner) on Dec 3, 2018 at 7:24pm PST

Hilariously, X Files actress Gillian Anderson confessed that she seemed to have killed her Christmas tree before the big day, posting a pic of the poor withered thing. Perhaps she forgot that live Christmas trees need regular water.

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Our dead tree. Oops. Merry Christmas! 🎄☺️

A post shared by Gillian Anderson (@gilliana) on Dec 24, 2018 at 10:15am PST

Hillary Clinton offered a family flashback to happy times, posting an image of her with Bill and Chelsea.

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To all those celebrating Christmas today, I wish you a merry one full of family and good cheer. Photo via @wjclibrary42!

A post shared by Hillary Clinton (@hillaryclinton) on Dec 25, 2018 at 6:27am PST

Celebrity chef and professional hothead Gordon Ramsay posted a picture of family harmony including his wife and kids.

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Wishing you all a very Merry #Christmas lots of love from all the Ramsay’s x

A post shared by Gordon Ramsay (@gordongram) on Dec 24, 2018 at 1:02pm PST

Speaking of cooking and food, glorious food, Sharon Stone showed off her festive table.

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Kelly and Mom made dinner.

A post shared by Sharon Stone (@sharonstone) on Dec 24, 2018 at 8:55pm PST

And celebrity chef Jamie Oliver showed off his baking skills with his Yule Log cake.

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I love a bit of baking on #ChristmasEve. This Yule log brings back loads of happy memories for me – it was one of the first desserts I ever made as a kid, at Christmas time of course! With sweet chestnut puree, honeyed cream and a crushed honeycomb filling this is such a fun treat to make and decorate. How are you spending your Christmas Eve?? #ChristmasRecipe

A post shared by Jamie Oliver (@jamieoliver) on Dec 24, 2018 at 4:15am PST

But it was a healthy California-style Christmas for Aquaman star Amber Heard, who checked off her list of groceries including almond milk and gluten-free cookies.

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LA-Xmas Santa checklist: 1) gluten-free cookies 2) almond milk 3) Aquaman.

A post shared by Amber Heard (@amberheard) on Dec 24, 2018 at 7:26pm PST

Hugh Jackman sent out a personal video with a much-needed positive message for 2019. "Life is what you choose to make it", said The Greatest Showman star.

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Does this count as a white Christmas? #merrychristmas #happynewyear #lifeiswhatyoumakeit

A post shared by Hugh Jackman (@thehughjackman) on Dec 24, 2018 at 4:27am PST