Sharing Christmas magic
Christmas cheer is near, and blissful holiday memory-making has begun. We asked four of our 2024 interviewees to share the way they will spend the festive season.
“I absolutely love Christmas. Living much of the year in America has made me fully embrace the idea of celebrating holidays. Not in the commercial sense, but in the joy of decorations, festive foods, seasonal treats, and all the traditions that make this time of year feel so magical.
I’m definitely a ‘put up the tree early’ kind of girl. I adore watching cheesy Christmas movies, and since kind words and stationery are my personal passions, I spend time writing heartfelt, long cards for my special people to gift them on or around Christmas Day.
For my family, Christmas is usually spent in Pauanui, and with our big, blended family, it’s always a lively celebration. Each year, we choose a letter and buy a gift that starts with it for a fun round of White Elephant. This year’s letter is S, which is much easier than last year’s A. We’re also a very ‘participation’ family, so games are a huge part of the day. Things get incredibly competitive, but it’s all in good fun and adds to the festive spirit.
I can’t wait to soak in every moment this year—Christmas truly is the most wonderful time of the year.”
“I can’t wait for Christmas this year because I will be able to finally take stock of one hell of a year. I am bloody tired, I have worked damn hard.
The lead-up to Christmas is a big one for me, as on 18 December I celebrate three years booze-free. That means my big treat on Christmas Day is now whitebait fritters for breakfast (no more Champers).
It will be a chance to reflect on a year that included being made redundant when Newshub shut down. I can be proud of how I have bounced back. I have a new show and Podcast at Stuff, TFN – the F-ing News, that focuses on positive news. I released a book, The F-ing News, and did a nationwide tour, The F-ing News tour, of course. I’m proud of that, building it out of nothing. Next year is all about positivity for me. I’ll really be pushing my positive news show at Stuff. I have
just finished my tour of 14 centres, I know Kiwis are crying out for positivity too. Let us all have a positive 2025.”
“Christmas, for me, is about connection, pure and simple. It’s a time when the busyness of life takes a backseat, and we can truly be present with family and loved ones. There’s something awesome about gathering together, sharing meals, exchanging stories, and creating memories. It’s a reminder that these bonds are a better gift than the fidget spinner under the tree.
The season also offers a quiet pause, a chance to reflect on where I am in life. It’s not about dwelling on what’s missing but appreciating how far I’ve come and the lessons learned along the way. It’s a moment to reconnect not just with others but with myself and my own goals and values. Christmas is also a time to recognise our shared humanity. As the world sparkles with lights, it’s easy to feel a thread of connection to people everywhere, celebrating in their own unique ways. It reminds me that we’re all part of something bigger.
Most importantly, Christmas brings hope – a belief in new beginnings and the possibility of a brighter future. It’s a season of optimism, kindness, and joy. That’s what makes it so special to me.”
“I try to celebrate all the little things along the way, moments of love, celebration, milestones, but Christmas is a time of year we get to stop, put work aside and reflect on the year that’s been. To set goals for the year ahead and reset the batteries.
I have friends and family I only see once a year as we all live in different cities, but know that we all come together at Christmas. Wrapping paper is left on the floor for most of the day, we nap, sing, dance and enjoy each other’s company.
Every year it takes me back to my childhood and I’m so grateful for the Christmas magic my mother created for us all those years; it’s stuck with me and I hope to create that same feeling for my own family one day.”
