Over the festive period, we’re shining a spotlight on the people that make up the Mortgage Brain family by asking them a few questions to find out what makes Christmas for them. So, join us for a coffee break with…

Sharon Marshall
Sharon is renowned for her infectious personality and ability to form strong and long lasting relationships - and it’s something she thoroughly enjoys doing every day.

How long have you been a part of the Mortgage Brain family?
A little over five-and-a-half years now. It’s been the best company I have ever worked for – the people are amazing, the culture is like no other I have known. I love it!

What is your roll within the business?
Sales Director – Intermediaries and Corporate Partners

What do you like best about working for Mortgage Brain?
That’s easy - Everything!

Now let’s dig a little deeper into what Christmas is like for Sharon Marshall. 

What is your favourite Christmas movie?
Elf or the Grinch … it’s a hard choice to make.

Turkey, goose, or something else?
I normally cook a selection of meats to cater for numerous dinner guests’ requirements! Suffice to say turkey for the non-red meat eaters, however I also slow cook a blade of beef. Always a non-traditionalists when the kids were small, we would ask them what they wanted for Christmas dinner We’ve had everything from fillet steak, chips and gravy, to salmon fillet with a mustard, oat and parmesan top!

Brussels Sprouts – yes, or no?
Never, never, never are they cooked in my house. Whichever way you do them they smell disgusting!

Do you have any family Christmas traditions that you follow every year?
Since the kids were small the deal was once you’ve had your dinner, you can then eat whatever you want for the rest of the day. This normally starts with three or four dessert choices and then a sea of chocolate wrappers!

Real tree or imitation tree?
I alternate each year. I love a real tree but hate the mess!

What is your favourite Christmas drink?
It’s retro in the Marshall household, we love a proper old-fashioned snowball. Never do I drink advocaat, lime, and lemonade at any other time of the year, but every Christmas the whole family get involved with this tipple.

Are you an early riser Christmas morning because it’s all too exciting or do you have to be dragged from your bed?
I get up before the kids. Even when they were small, they never got up early. I would be up from 4:00-5:00 am, super excited, and by 7:00-8:00 am I would start hoovering and opening and shutting doors to make noise in the hope they would get up.

What is your favourite Christmas song?
Not a traditional Christmas tune but love East17 – Stay Now.

What was the best Christmas gift anyone ever gave you?
There has been loads, but as corny as it may sound, I get more pleasure out of buying and choosing gifts for everyone than I do from getting them.

And what was the worst (mentioning no names)?
Oh blimey! The one I can remember was the worst slate grey cardigan from M&S. It wasn’t even something I would give to my mum to wear, it was so old fashioned and just vile. In our team we always have a secret santa gift. There is one team member that no one wants to be their secret santa. Gifts have previously included a giant white unicorn purchased from the shopping centre on the way down to the office, and the absolute classic was a fajita kit – the box type that you pick up from any supermarket. Suffice to say this is someone who would still be scrabbling around on Christmas Eve for family gifts!

Do you have your Christmas shopping finished by the start of December or are you still searching for gifts on Christmas Eve?
I start super early, usually September, however I drop all the gifts at my Mums (or get them delivered straight to her). The trouble with that is by the time November comes round I can’t remember what I have bought and how much I have bought. This works well though as my Mum wraps all my Christmas gifts, well apart from hers that is!

Which four celebrities would you invite to your Christmas party?
Tom Kerridge – so he could do the cooking
Kate Middleton – just so I could really get the gossip on the Royals and any fall outs
The Obamas – counting as one invite but what an amazing couple and both awesome in their own rights
Brandon Flowers – from the Killers, my favourite band and he could provide the music and entertainment.

Do you crave a white Christmas?
No – just a happy one for everyone.