Innholdsfortegnelse for Christmas 2025 i Australian Women’s Weekly NZ

Christmas has absolutely snuck up on me. One moment, I was shuffling through the routines of everyday life, then the next, I was staring at a calendar and the pōhutukawa blooms at the end of my driveway insisting that December had arrived. It feels as though 2025 has raced by – hardly surprising, given the personal challenges my family and I have weathered. We’ve spent much of the year living day to day, responding to whatever came next, barely noticing the months slip past. But if difficult times teach us anything, it’s that life is wildly unpredictable and the moments worth celebrating shouldn’t be postponed. Which makes Christmas feel especially precious this year. I love that the season can be gloriously over the top or beautifully simple. This year, I’m…

It was a little after 12 on a cold, clear December night, just a few months into Malala Yousafzai’s first year at Oxford University. One of her new acquaintances had invited her to join him in “an experience that every Lady Margaret Hall student should try once”. They had made their way along dark corridors to a cramped prayer room and were now clambering out a tiny window onto a narrow ledge. Below them was “a multistorey drop to the cobblestone courtyard,” Malala remembers. “When you get to the end, there’s a short jump to the next section of roof, only about three feet. You can easily make it – just don’t look down,” the third-year student advised. A blast of cold air hit Malala’s face as she jumped and…

Unlike the Hollywood movies that promise perfect families and endless cheer, December can be a mixed bag for many of us. Between the shopping lists, our social calendars and year-end deadlines, most of us arrive at the holidays feeling frazzled, not festive. Yet beneath the tinsel and to-do lists, the season often stirs something deeper. The fairy lights go up, workplaces wind down, and suddenly there’s space – to reflect, to remember, to reach out. “Life is so fast-paced these days, and many adults are so caught up in the busyness of life that we neglect – through no fault of our own – to keep in contact with people we know and love,” says psychologist and author Dr Marny Lishman. “By the time we get to Christmas, we start…

Velvety and elegant, rose pairs well with citrus notes for a boost of joy. or layer with vanilla or sandalwood to amp up the romance. Christmas extravagance! Rose 1. Kayali Fleur Majesty Rose Royale | 31 EDP, $202. 2. Maison Crivelli Rose SaltifOlia EDP, $417. 3. Narciso Rodriguez All of Me EDP, $250. 4. Louis Vuitton Rose des Vents, $620. 5. (S)MER Petal to the Metal EDP, $466. 6. D.S. & Durga Rose Atlantic EDP, $342. 7. Maison Louis Marie Antidris Cassis EDP, $184. 8. Chloé Le Parfum EDP, $333. Like a comforting hug vanilla evokes warmth and sensuality with its soft. creamy and slightly woody charm. Christmas extravagance! Vanilla 1. Burberry Goddess EDP, $313. 2. Tom Ford Vanilla Sex EDP, $654. 3. Dries Van Noten Camomille Satin EDP, $515.…

NEW ZEALAND Editor-at-Large Sarah Henry Chief Sub-Editor Denise Bowden Art Director Mirella Monteiro Designers Anna Pétursdóttir, Shane Kelly, Béla Trussell-Cullen, Hayley Pearce Photo & Editorial Coordinator Kellie Blizard ADVERTISING Sales Director Claire Chisholm Senior Account Manager Chloe Jordan Senior Commercial Brand Manager Angela Wei Campaign Manager Georgia van Koningsveld Directory Sales Manager Kim Chapman EXECUTIVE Chief Executive Officer Jane Huxley General Manager Stuart Dick General enquiries to: The Australian Women’s Weekly, PO Box 52122, Kingsland, Auckland 1352. The Australian Women’s Weekly may have generated content partially using generative AI, which our editors review, edit and revise to their requirements. We take ultimate responsibility for the content of this publication. For delivery enquiries: delivery@magshop.co.nz. Published by Are Media © 2025. All rights reserved. Printed by Webstar, Auckland. We are... This publication…

Discover festive magic within these pages, with party outfits, perfumes and gift guides for all ages. Recipes from starters to desserts to feed a fam, including spectacular sides and, of course, a glazed ham. Festive ideas from our foodie friends Chelsea Winter and Julie Goodwin to help bring good cheer. Plus, there are gifts you can bake, others you make, kid-friendly crafts, and even our picks for holiday reading. Merry Christmas from The Weekly PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN PAUL URIZAR. STYLING BY MICHELE CRANSTON. BONNIE & NEIL TABLECLOTH, BONNIEANDNEIL.COM.AU. VINTAGE TABLE FRUIT BOWL FROM ROBERT GORDON.…

Go glam! These head-turning essentials add instant allure – perfect for holiday soirées and unforgettable nights out. SKIN: YSL All Hours Glow Foundation, $121. Enriched with hydrating hyaluronic acid and soothing niacinamide, this glow-boosting, buildable formula creates a luminous base with a radiant finish. LIPS: Lancôme Lip Idôle Juicytreat Juicy Lip Oil, $72. Keep your pout soft, hydrated and plump. HAIR: Joico Dream Blowout Glass 72hr Frizz Fighter, $55.95. Your secret to the perfect bouncy blowout. This multi-tasking hero forms a protective shield around the cuticle to lock in moisture and fight frizz, leaving hair smooth, shiny and humidity-resistant. CHEEKS: Elizabeth Arden Blush in Berry Kiss, $70. Add an instant kiss of colour to liven up your complexion. EYES: Tom Ford Eye Color Quad in Sous Le Sable, $180. Dial…

From the Test Kitchen Make the tiramisu a day or two ahead up to step 7. Decorate just before serving. White forest cake SERVES 8 PREP + COOK TIME 1 HOUR 30 MINUTES (+ REFRIGERATION TIME) 1 cup (150g) plain flour ¾ teaspoon baking powder 6 eggs ¾ cup (165g) caster sugar 100g unsalted butter, melted and cooled 250g mascarpone 300ml thickened cream 2 tablespoons icing sugar mixture Maraschino cherries or extra fresh cherries, for decorating CHERRY JAM 300g cherries, pitted and quartered ¼ cup (55g) caster sugar 1 vanilla bean, split, seeds scraped 1 tablespoon kirsch (or lemon juice) WHITE CHOCOLATE GANACHE 360g white chocolate, chopped (eating chocolate, not cooking chocolate) 200ml single cream CHOCOLATE SHARDS 100g white chocolate melts, melted 1 CHERRY JAM Heat a large non-stick frying…

MAKES 70 MADELEINES PREP + COOK TIME 2 HOURS (+ REFRIGERATION TIME) 2½ cups (375g) plain flour 2½ teaspoons baking powder 1 tablespoon ground ginger 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground mixed spice pinch of salt 1⅔ cups (370g) caster sugar 10 eggs, beaten lightly 2 tablespoons honey 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 400g butter, melted, cooled, plus extra for greasing 300g white chocolate melts, melted, cooled white sprinkles, to decorate EQUIPMENT 45cm foam cone toothpicks 1 Sift the flour, baking powder, spices and salt into a large bowl, whisk in the sugar until the dry ingredients are evenly combined. 2 Whisk in the beaten eggs, honey and vanilla, then whisk in the butter until smooth and combined. Cover and refrigerate batter for 2 hours or overnight. 3 Preheat the…

Paper bag stars Transform plain paper bags into stunning 3D stars! So simple and fun, you’ll want to make a galaxy. What you’ll need: Paper bags (brown or coloured with a flat square base – you will need 10-12 per star) Glue stick or craft glue Scissors String or ribbon for hanging To make: • Cover base square of a bag with glue and follow with a line of glue up the centre. Stack the next bag on top, press in place and repeat until you have a stack of 10-12. • Trim the tops of the stacked bags into points or your chosen star shape. (If the stack is thick, make two smaller stacks, cut separately, then glue together.) • Open each bag carefully so the ends meet and…

Last Christmas Eve, as the Prince and Princess of Wales stood in Westminster Abbey with their three children, George, Charlotte and Louis, the carols they sang in celebration of those who had shown “love, empathy and kindness” would have soared to the vaulted ceiling with particular poignancy. The Royal couple were perhaps reflecting on the love and kindness that helped them endure the most “scary and unpredictable” year of their marriage as Catherine fought cancer. “It brings you face-to-face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you never considered before,” she had revealed. “And with that, a new perspective on everything.” In January this year, they shared a photo of Catherine looking happy, strong and officially in remission, along with a tender tribute from Prince William. “The strength you’ve shown…

There was a time, before photography was widespread, when special moments were preserved in “memory books” – albums filled with precious mementoes and keepsakes. In the early 1800s, a wealthy Viennese family was painted for their memory book in a Christmas tableau. But apart from the tree, it’s a scene few of us today would recognise as festive. Saint Nicholas, tall and solemn in bishop’s robes, is no jolly Santa. The family look towards the door, terror on their faces. There, complete with horns and blazing red eyes, lurks a demon, the sack on his back bulging not with toys, but an unfortunate child. It’s Krampus, Saint Nicholas’ malevolent counterpart. While Saint Nic rewarded good children with sweets, nuts and toys, Krampus handed out lumps of coal, whippings, and worse.…

Growing up, I loved animals. I was born in the UK and lived there for 12 years before moving to Australia with my family. As a kid, I was constantly nagging my parents for a pet, always bringing an injured bird into the house, or building a frog pond. I was obsessed with The Crocodile Hunter, and loved learning about wildlife from Steve and Terri Irwin. When I was maybe six years old, I found a frog in our backyard. Not knowing any better, I figured he’d need a swim. I filled up the bathtub with water and let him go in there. I can still remember the look on my mum’s face when she saw it. Unlike me, the rest of my family aren’t really into wildlife, especially my…

Christmas extravagance! All prices are approximate. STYLING ASSISTANT: LILLY VEITCH. HAIR AND MAKE-UP: SARAH TAMMER @ VIVIEN’S CREATIVE MANAGEMENT. MODEL: BIANCA BEAMAN @ SCOOP MANAGEMENT. SHOT ON LOCATION AT BOWERBIRD, MOSMAN.…

Swedish gravlaediplatter SERVES 8 PREP + COOK TIME 30 MINUTES (+ 24 HOURS REFRIGERATION TIME) You need to start the gravlax recipe at least 1 day ahead (see Tips). ¼ cup (70g) Dijon mustard ⅓ cup finely chopped fresh dill 250g cream cheese rye crispbread, to serve GIN & JUNIPER GRAVLAX 1 tablespoon coriander seeds 1 tablespoon fennel seeds 1 tablespoon juniper berries 2 teaspoon finely grated lemon rind 300g sea salt flakes ⅓ cup (75g) white sugar ⅓ cup (80ml) gin 800g piece salmon fillet, pin-boned, skin on QUICK PICKLED VEG ¾ cup (180ml) white wine vinegar ½ cup (110g) caster sugar ½ teaspoon salt 3 cloves 1 cinnamon stick 2 small beetroot (200g), shaved  1 small red onion (100g),   shaved  1 Lebanese cucumber (130g),   sliced thinly 1 GIN…

Christmas potatoes GLUTEN FREE • VEGAN • NUT FREE This vibrant, flavour-packed Christmassy lil’ dish proves that simple ingredients can make a big impact. Tender baby potatoes are coated in a silky, herb-infused, ultra-minty dressing, then finished with a drizzle of zingy basil oil, then a scattering of fresh herbs for an extra layer of texture and freshness. The result? A beautifully bright, irresistibly delicious side dish that’s easy to prepare in advance and perfect for your holiday spread. Though, honestly, once you try it, you’ll be making it all the time. And if you don’t already have mint running wild in your garden, this will make you plant some. PREP 1 HOUR COOK 10–15 MINUTES SERVES 6 AS A SIDE 1-1.5kg baby potatoes 1 tsp salt DRESSING ½ cup…

The literary gem The Land of Sweet Forever by Harper Lee, Penguin Random House This is not a drill. A new Harper Lee book has dropped. Don’t panic – but do rush to get a copy of The Land of Sweet Forever as a gift or for yourself. To Kill a Mockingbird and Go Set a Watchman left an indelible mark on literature. This tome captures the development of the author through eight unpublished short stories and carefully collected essays. Weaving together politics and art, youth and growth, this book connects Harper’s life and writing, and draws from manuscripts found in the author’s New York apartment after her death in 2016. The collection is introduced by Casey Cep, Harper Lee’s authorised biographer. The blockbuster Remain: A Supernatural Love Story by…

When do you really start feeling festive? The moment the pōhutukawa – the Kiwi Christmas tree – bursts into blossom! At the moment, the flowers covering our feijoa trees has had me humming carols for the past week or two! What three words spring to mind when you think about Christmas? Whānau, aroha and kai! Is there such a thing as the “perfect” gift? Every gift given with aroha is perfect and “presence” beats “presents” any day. White Christmas or beach Christmas? I’ve never experienced a white Christmas, so I’d love to experience that one day, but I adore a beach Christmas. What song sums up the season for you? It would have to be the song I wrote with Itty Bitty Beats – Christmas in Summer. It’s always a…