Editor’s letter

There are so many reasons I’m crackers for Christmas – the smell of a fresh pine tree, fairy lights and pretty decorations; my beaming kids jumping on our bed early to see what’s in their stockings; family coming together to don silly paper hats, share weak jokes and feast on too much ham. I love it all.

But I also adore this season because at Woman’s Day we get to bring you our annual bumper Christmas issue – my favourite of the year. It’s jam-packed with joy! You will have noticed it’s a whopper, and that’s because we have bonus pages with festive recipes, glitzy fashion, cute craft ideas, tips on how to have a stressfree celebration and bucketloads of gift ideas. Oh, and there are some great giveaways too!

I loved reading about real-life Kiwi Christmas angels (page 42), wonderful, kind-hearted people who support those in need at the Auckland City Mission, Youthline, Shoebox Christmas and SPCA. Their selfless work will help spread happiness and goodwill this season, and I’m full of admiration and gratitude for these heroes.

I’ve taken a tip from last year’s Christmas issue with my kids to get them to think about others less fortunate. They normally get to write five gift ideas on their Santa list and hope the jolly fellow grants them one or two wishes, but this year the fifth spot on their list is reserved for a charity of their choice and a donation will be made in their name. I hope it becomes a family tradition they will one day carry on.

Christmas will be extra special for our cover star Gemma McCaw this year because her and Richie’s little Lottie will be one – and watching her excitement will bring a whole new meaning to the day. But as many mums will appreciate, Gemma has had a crazy busy year and, as much as she loves Christmas, she’s also looking forward to the lovely relaxation that follows the festivities. I totally relate to that!

And so will my editorial team, the lovely folks pictured to your right, who have just finished working on this joyful jumbo Christmas edition. It’s been a big week, but I know how much they love bringing you this special issue each year. Thank you, team, for being so wonderful!

I know we still have a few weeks to go until December 25, but on behalf of my fabulous work whanau, I’d like to say happy Christmas to you all!

heir Gemma gets into the Christmas spirit. Sisters Eva (left) and Mela Mitchell are feeling festive. ’Tis the season for glam party fashion! Sido Marilynn Ellen

Back row, from left: News Editor Lynley Ward, Picture Editor Kellie Blizard, Production Editor Rebekah Hebenton, Digital Artist Andrew Kirkup, Beauty Editor Amy Houlihan, Staff Photographer Robert Trathen, Senior Writer Cloe Willetts. Middle row, from left: International Picture Editor Kate Dwek, Chief Sub- editor Sheryn Church, Deputy Editor Marilynn McLachlan, Editor- in- Chief Sido Kitchin, Editorial Assistant Jessica Ault, Deputy Chief Sub- editor Denise Bowden, Designer Demelza Callesen. Front row, from left: Style Director Leigh Matheson, Sub- editor Jennifer Reynolds, Lifestyle Director Penny Lewis, Senior Designer Olivia New, Creative Director Mirella Monteiro.