Christmas shopping can be an exciting rush, but also an overwhelming experience.
When the gift hits the spot, it’s a wonderful feeling, but it’s also easy to miss the mark and spend too much time – and money – in the process.
The Weekly talked to a group of familiar Kiwi faces about their gifting experiences, their reflections on 2016 and how they hope to spend the festive period.
Danielle Cormack – star of Wentworth
Thinking back to past Christmas gifts I’ve received… Homemade gifts. Knowing that someone has invested time and care makes it more meaningful, such as a piece of art, some jam, jewellery or pottery. I also love hearing the trials and tribulations of making the gift. It gives it history and life! My favourite gifts are the ones my kids have made for me, and I have a collection of painted plates and ceramic animals. I also cherish the brown plastic egg cups my aunty Marion gave me in 1987. She left the price tag on and they were $1.79.
The favourite Christmas gift I’ve given was… A few years ago, when I came back to New Zealand to surprise my nana. She had no idea I would be at our family lunch and the look on her face will be indelibly etched forever in my mind as one of the greatest responses to anything I’ve ever done. I could never top that.
This year I’ll be celebrating Christmas… At the beach! Eating, drinking, laughing, swimming, siesta, drinking, eating, eating, dancing, eating, drinking, Trivial Pursuit, drinking – all in that order and all surrounded by family and friends.
2016 has been… The year of the suitcase! It’s been a year of travel and moving around. Unless I’m going for a swim or walking to the fridge, you will find me cemented to one spot over the holidays.
My wish to New Zealanders this Christmas is… As always, be safe, have fun and be kind to each other.
The Wilson sisters – Vicki, Kelly and Amanda Wilson – authors and stars of Keeping up with the Kaimanawas
Our approach to Christmas gifting is… Make something or do an adventure together for special occasions. As a family, we stopped buying gifts for each other years ago. For birthdays, we’ve gone sky diving, bungy jumping, swimming with dolphins, slept under the stars, snow trips etc. We focus on spending time together, rather than material possessions and we always walk away with memories that last a lifetime.
The Christmas gift that brought us the most joy was… A few years ago, when we boycotted Christmas and spent the day at a retirement home with our ponies and puppies, and visited the elderly. They were complete strangers but it was special to talk with them and share our love of animals on a day that family is so important. So many didn’t have family or friends who could visit and they loved sharing memories about their younger years.
2016 has been… Huge for us. We’ve achieved so much, both personally and with our team of horses. Kelly’s latest two books hit the bestseller charts, with Ranger the Kaimanawa Stallion being No 1 in its first week and Amanda’s second documentary has had sold-out cinema releases all around the country. We’ve tamed horses in both New Zealand and Australia, and also had outstanding success with our team of show jumpers. We’ve also had moments of heartbreak – Vicki lost her very special Kaimanawa horse Argo, from our television show Keeping up with the Kaimanawas, just a few weeks ago, which has left a huge hole in the family.
Our wish to New Zealanders this Christmas is… For people to enjoy time with their families. Put the technology away, get outdoors and make some memories that will never be forgotten. Also, for the earthquakes to stop!
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Hilary Barry – Breakfast host
The most special Christmas gift I’ve received… Was one that came back to me. My dearly departed dad loved a good pepper grinder so one year, I gave him the biggest one I could find. When he died, nearly 20 years ago, Mum gave it to me. Every time I use it, I think of Dad and imagine him sprinkling a bit of magic over whatever I’m cooking.
This year, I’ll be gifting… a Childfund Gift that Grows because I think it’s a wonderful opportunity to give something constructive and tangible to communities that need it. As a parent, it’s also great for children to know that Christmas is a time to think about others who are less fortunate than they are.
To me, the most meaningful thing about Christmas is… Time spent with family, particularly our teenage boys. They’re growing up quickly and will one day be off doing their own thing, so we’re savouring all the time we have left with them.
When it comes to Christmas shopping… I’m that really annoying person who normally has everything sewn up by November!
2016 has been… Chaotic but enriching. My wish to New Zealanders this Christmas is for… Happiness, good health and sunshine to all!
Give a gift from the heart
Why not get your loved ones a present from Childfund New Zealand’s Gifts that Grow catalogue. For $50, you can gift a goat to a family in need in Zambia, Kenya, Sri Lanka or Vietnam and help them to get out of poverty. Visit childfund.org.nz for more information.
