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Christmas 2024: Australian celebrities share their holiday traditions

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, so we decided to see how some favourite Aussie celebs will be spending their Christmas Day.

How to nail perfect Christmas feast

With Christmas is right around the corner, we asked some favourite Aussie celebs about their holiday traditions.

Samantha Armytage – Nine Presenter

“My favourite Christmas tradition is to have a swim in the ocean first thing Christmas Day, then open a good bottle of champagne and pour a glass for all the family, then start the unwrapping,” says Nine presenter Samantha Armytage.

Sam Armytage with guide dog puppy Gypsy, in St Leonards. Picture: Justin Lloyd
Sam Armytage with guide dog puppy Gypsy, in St Leonards. Picture: Justin Lloyd

Sonia Kruger – The Voice and Dancing with the Stars Host

The Voice and Dancing with the Stars host Sonia Kruger’s favourite Christmas tradition is being at the beach with her family.

“Being outdoors, salty and barefoot at Christmas is a vibe,” she says.

Sonia Kruger at the Mercedes-Benz Sydney Women in Business lunch — but on Christmas Day she’ll be on the beach. Picture: Richard Dobson
Sonia Kruger at the Mercedes-Benz Sydney Women in Business lunch — but on Christmas Day she’ll be on the beach. Picture: Richard Dobson

Jean-Christophe Novelli – MasterChef Judge

“When I was a child in Arras, France, we didn’t have much money but we retained an amazing value and appreciation, Christmas was a time to cook a multitude of great dishes and equally the only time where we were all gathering together as one big family.

“I always remember the smells of the delicious food filling my home.

“I love drying oranges with a variety of spices including vanilla on top of the mantel pieces, so each room becomes filled with warm, zesty scents.

“This was something my mum did growing up so when I celebrate Christmas, I’m lucky enough to retain the same aroma which brings back such wonderful nostalgic memories.”

MasterChef judge Jean-Christophe.
MasterChef judge Jean-Christophe.

Juliet Love – Better Homes and Gardens

“My favourite Christmas tradition is belting out Christmas carols at church with the kids and our friends then eating loads of Christmas ice cream pudding after lunch, which I make every year at my husband Charlie (Albone)’s request!

“It’s the one non-negotiable on the Christmas menu.”

Juliet Love from Better Homes and Gardens. Picture: Seven Network
Juliet Love from Better Homes and Gardens. Picture: Seven Network

Melissa King of Better Homes and Garden

“I look forward to my nan’s plum pudding every year. My brother carries on the tradition of making it.

“It’s not a traditional plum pudding. It contains lots of dates and apricots and it’s amazing with homemade custard.

“We also make my mum’s pumped leg of lamb with pineapple crust – so delicious. And there’s lots of Aussie seafood on the menu,” she says.

Melissa King from Better Homes and Gardens. Picture: Channel 7
Melissa King from Better Homes and Gardens. Picture: Channel 7

Luke Mangan – Celebrity Chef

“I’m a traditionalist and believe in keeping food simple, like cold prawns with mango salsa, and ham with cherries. Oh and ice cream plum pudding for dessert,” says celebrity chef Luke Mangan of his Christmas traditions.

Luke Mangan with his death row meal of steak with bearnaise sauce, fries and green beans. Picture: Tim Hunter
Luke Mangan with his death row meal of steak with bearnaise sauce, fries and green beans. Picture: Tim Hunter

Mark Levy – 2GB Radio Presenter

For 2GB radio presenter Mark Levy, his favourite Christmas tradition is “spending the day with family and friends, big lunch a couple of drinks and way too much dessert.”

2GB broadcaster Mark Levy at his restaurant Pronto in Sylvania. Picture: Rohan Kelly
2GB broadcaster Mark Levy at his restaurant Pronto in Sylvania. Picture: Rohan Kelly

Bella Varelis – Reality star and new host of 7Bravo

“My favourite thing to do at Christmas is spend the day with family, eat delicious food and end the night watching The Holiday while eating candy canes … because who doesn’t love a little romance on Christmas,” says reality star and new host of 7Bravo Bella Varelis.

New host of 7Bravo Bella Varelis. Picture: Justin Lloyd
New host of 7Bravo Bella Varelis. Picture: Justin Lloyd

Originally published as Christmas 2024: Australian celebrities share their holiday traditions

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Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/nsw/christmas-2024-australian-celebrities-share-their-holiday-traditions/news-story/ffd16a1e19adad6938da8b874b80922b