CHRISTMAS QUIZ

+ What is your favourite family Christmas tradition? It’s not a Christmas tradition but every New Year the Dutch tradition is ‘oliebollen’ or deep-fried doughnuts. Ben’s baby sister, Sophie, spends the bulk of New Year’s Eve making these on the barbecue, all with different fillings, to feed the entire family who congregate at my in-laws’ bach in Whangamata for several weeks.

+ What is the most memorable Christmas experience you’ve had in your home? It’s not exactly a memory but it is a milestone: as we have moved houses so often over the past 10 years this is officially the first time ever that we’ll be spending a second Christmas in the same house!

+ Who decorates the tree in your home? Me!

The children are relegated to handing me the decorations… I have to have it just perfect.

+ How will your family be spending Christmas Day this year? Christmas morning is spent opening the vast array of presents under the tree and usually having breakfast with the neighbours. Around lunchtime we do the drive to Whangamata where we have Christmas dinner with Ben’s family.