While Christmas is normally Duckrockers star Teuila Blakely’s favourite time of year, she gets emotional as she thinks about spending her first holiday without her mum Martha after she sadly passed away earlier this year.
“I’m a huge Christmas person and Mum was too, so this year is definitely tinged with sadness,” she shares. “I think we’ll have a low-key Christmas to get used to the idea that Mum’s not here.”
Teuila is looking forward to spending the day with her dad Frank and son Jared, 30, and enjoying some quiet time after what she describes as “one of the most full-on years of my entire existence”.
‘We’ll have a low-key Christmas to get used to the idea that Mum is not here’
She explains, “I lost my mum in January, which was a terrible way to start the year. Then we started production on our new show Duckrockers, so I’ve been working on the biggest show in my career so far, which was very full-on. On top of that, I’ve also had the challenge of renovating my house during a pandemic, which I would not recommend.”
Though she will happily farewell 2022, the 47-year-old admits she will take an important lesson away from this trying time.
“I’ve always lived by the saying, ‘You’re never given anything more than you can handle,’ and this year reminded me how true that is. I had to do things I wasn’t sure I could handle, but I endured and I grew as a person.”
Looking back on Christmases throughout her life, Teuila only has happy memories of the day, which were always filled with family and delicious food. But there are two special traditions she has carried into her own festivities.
‘I hope next year will be less disruptive after everything we’ve had to endure these past few years’
“My dad is a real traditionalist and has always said, ‘You don’t put your tree up before December 1.’ I’ve always stuck to that,” The Royal Treatment star shares. “My parents also did the most amazing stockings and even though my son is grown up, he still gets a stocking. We never skip that tradition.”
Looking ahead, Teuila’s wish is for a smoother ride in 2023.
“I hope next year will be less disruptive after everything we’ve had to endure these past few years. And I hope the world becomes a more peaceful place.”
