As December settles in and the festive spirit takes over, Wonderland catches up with British powerhouse Maya Jama to talk JD’s holiday campaign, family ties, and the traditions that keep her grounded during the most magical time of year.
There’s a certain electricity to the first week of December. The Big Smoke shimmers under fairy lights, the air hums with festive cheer, and London transforms into a winter wonderland (pun intended). And even for the biggest stars, it’s a time to pause, reflect, and lean into the heart of the holiday season. Enter Maya Jama, fresh off hosting the British Fashion Awards and closing out a monumental year in style. This Christmas, she’s teamed up with sportswear giant JD to reimagine holiday campaigns with a message that hits close to home: family matters most.
“My relationship with my family is really important to me – they keep me grounded and have been my biggest supporters throughout my career,” Maya tells us. For JD’s latest festive offering, she joins a star-studded lineup of British icons — including Central Cee, Paddy the Baddy, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Chunkz, AJ Shabeel, and their nearest and dearest — in celebrating the people who make life meaningful.
The campaign is an invitation for audiences to rethink what family means today, embracing not just the bonds we’re born into but the ones we choose along the way. A love letter to connection — whether it’s the sibling who knows all your quirks, the friend who feels like home, or the community that lifts you higher. With a film that’s as heartwarming as it is visually striking, JD brings family — in every sense of the word — to the forefront of holiday celebrations.
In conversation with Wonderland, Maya Jama reflects on the season’s power to bring people together, her favourite rituals, and the exciting plans already unfolding for 2025. Keep reading…
2024 has been a great year for you. What has been your highlight of the year so far and what are you excited to do more of in 2025?
Maya Jama: I turned 30 this summer, so that I’d say was the highlight of my year so far. It was just lovely to celebrate it around my family, friends, and make the summer one big celebration. I’m honestly just looking forward to seeing what this new decade brings. My 20s were incredible and I achieved a lot of things I’m so proud of, so I’m just looking forward to continuing to surprise myself with what I’m able to do.
What was the biggest pinch me moment for you in 2024?
MJ: There have been a few highlights, but I’d have to say co-hosting the BRIT Awards tops the list. It had always been one of my biggest dreams to host it, and when I did, it was incredible. I also loved being able to present Raye with six awards that evening. It was so well-deserved and a literal record-breaking moment.
What are your personal goals moving into 2025?
MJ: Personally, I’d like to create a better work life balance, but professionally, I’m keeping that one a little secret for now – there’s lots of exciting things already in the works and my focus is really on continually elevating myself. I’d also really love to start DJing again, and I’ve been practicing with friends, so I’m excited to get into that.
Who is on your wish list to work with in 2025?
MJ: I just like to work with people who are passionate about what they’re doing. I love The Gentlemen, so collaborating with someone like Guy Ritchie would be amazing. I want to work on projects with people who push me creatively.
How do you typically prepare for Christmas each year?
MJ: I have to admit I’m a bit of a last-minute-Larry when it comes to Christmas gifting, but I always manage to get it done. This year, I’ve actually already treated both my brothers to some amazing experiences, so that’s my Christmas shopping sorted, lol. As for the day itself, we celebrate either at my place in London or back home in Bristol and it’s always a big, loud, fun day. We’ll enjoy a traditional dinner with a mix of Caribbean dishes too—it’s a big spread that we all pitch in and prepare together.
Do you celebrate Christmas with family, friends, or a mix of both? Can you describe what that looks like for you?
MJ: I celebrate across the Christmas week with family and close friends. It’s usually a big, lively gathering with lots of food, music, and good vibes.
Who are the family members with you in your scene – tell us about your relationship with them?
MJ: In my Christmas scene it’s my mum, and my two brothers. My relationship with my family is really important to me – they keep me grounded and have been my biggest supporters throughout my career. We’re all so close which you can see.
How has your way of celebrating Christmas changed over the years?
MJ: As I’ve grown in my career, I’ve been able to host bigger gatherings and spoil my family and friends a bit more. But all in all, being with all of them remains the same, so nothing’s really changed in that way.
If you could pick one thing from JD that you would like under the Christmas tree this year, what would it be?
MJ: If I could pick one thing from JD to find under the Christmas tree, it would probably be a pair of limited-edition Adidas trainers—something that’s comfortable, as I’m always on the move and just works with any outfit.
What is the most meaningful present that you’ve ever received at Christmas, and who was it from?
MJ: The most meaningful gift I ever received was from my aunties, it was the new pink Motorola Razr and it’s the strongest memory I have of childhood presents.
