Dawn O'Porter is a writer and television presenter. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, the actor Chris O'Dowd, but frequently returns to Britain for work and to see family and friends. 

How was 2013 for you?
Hands down the best year that I’ve had for ages. I had a really bad few years, work wise, a couple of years ago and this year it just all came together. [My debut novel] Paper Aeroplanes came out this year and writing a novel, that was the dream. Chris and I are really happy, we’ve done a lot of travelling, we bought a house in LA. And I’ve got a new nephew, little Gene. I just love him so much, I’m absolutely obsessed with him. It’s just a really nice thing being an aunty. I’ve got nothing to complain about. 2013, not an unlucky year for me at all.  

What will you be wearing on Christmas Day?
A Christmas jumper, matching with Chris. I got them in Target in America. It’s a big cat smoking a cigar with a Christmas hat on. 

Where are you celebrating Christmas this year?
In LA. I’m hosting my first Christmas this year. Which I’m really excited about. Chris’s family is coming over. I’ve never done a Christmas dinner but I’ve done roasts before and I’m a pretty good cook. I’m nervous about getting the turkey right but my aunty is going to give me a lesson. I’ll hand-make everything and I’ll get a fancy organic turkey because I’m a bit anal about poultry. On Christmas Eve we’ll do a big Mexican, Chris will do the chilli, and then we’ll go to the pub on Melrose [Avenue] on Boxing Day.    

Do you have any tips for avoiding family arguments at Christmas? 
The last big family Christmas I had, there were definitely tensions but then on Boxing Day Chris proposed and that gave us all something to talk about. So my top tip for Christmas is to get engaged. 

Paper Aeroplanes by Dawn O’Porter is out now (£7.99, Hot Key Books)