When she’s not busy matchmaking bikini-clad bombshells on Love Island Australia, Bardot beauty Sophie Monk is busy being the queen of Christmas. With the big day just around the corner, Sophie reveals she has her gifts wrapped and menu sorted – and has for some time now.
“I love Christmas,” Sophie Monk tells Woman’s Day. “I couldn’t post anything [on social media] in our lounge room because I’ve had my Christmas decorations up since way before we even had Halloween!”
The 44-year-old shares she’ll be spending Christmas with her husband Josh Gross, 44. As well as their adorable golden retrievers, Bluey and Billy, around the pool with a cheeseboard or two.
“We’ll just do that and have family over to play games,” she reveals. “I’m so competitive. I can’t help it and it doesn’t matter what game or if I’ve got no skill set – I just get competitive anyway.”
When it comes to buying the perfect gift for a loved one, Sophie’s advice is to get your shopping done in advance.
“I’m almost done with my Christmas shopping, which I usually do through October. Choosing is so hard. I think you’ve just got to listen to everything someone says, like, ‘I love that flowerpot!’ So cool, that’s a Christmas present.”
Sophie’s also got ideas for people who have no clue what to buy. “Everyone loves a voucher – I prefer that because then I can buy what I want.
As for Bluey and Billy, Sophie admits she buys her fur babies a present every time she visits the supermarket. And, she is planning to spoil them rotten this Christmas.
“I did promise myself that I wouldn’t be that person, but the dogs have their stockings and presents wrapped up under the tree,” she laughs. “We had rules, like they weren’t allowed on the couch or the bed… But I’ve done everything I said I wouldn’t do and gone further.”
Growing up, Sophie’s absolute favourite Christmas toy was a doll that giggled when she kissed it on its stomach.
This year, she doesn’t have anything on her wish list. She prefers to spread the Christmas spirit by giving gifts to her nearest and dearest.
“Everyone says I’m impossible to buy for and I don’t know why because I don’t have much,” shares Sophie. “But I don’t really need much. If anything, I’m good with socks, to be honest.”
With many New Zealanders busy buying last-minute gifts, groceries and decorations, Sophie reckons she can get into the festive spirit no matter the month of the year.
“I love all of it!” she cheers exuberantly. “I listen to Mariah Carey Christmas carols whenever I’m having a bad day – whatever the time of the year – because they just make you feel so happy instantly.”
This year, Sophie spent two months on the Spanish island of Mallorca filming Love Island Australia. She made a few guest appearances on Lego Masters Australia alongside host Hamish Blake. In one skit, she even dressed up as a Kmart employee.
“I love both shows for different reasons, like I get to dress up on both,” she says enthusiastically. “To work with Hamish is awesome as well! He’s just such a cool, down-to-earth and kind person.”
Moving into 2025, Sophie’s biggest wish for herself and everyone else is to be happy. But for now, she’s just excited that Christmas Day is near.
“I haven’t experienced a white Christmas and I don’t think I ever want to,” she admits.
“In Australia, we’re so lucky with our summer weather and it’s so much better than snow!”
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
