Naughty or nice? KIWI FESTIVE

Metallica, burnt croissants and present peeks - local celebs share their Christmas wins and fails

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Indira Stewart

TVNZ investigative journalist, 40

What's been your proudest Christmas moment?

In Australia in 2022, I reunited with my four siblings, their families and my parents, who live in Darwin, for the first time since COVID. There were 11 adults, 14 grandkids, loads of cousins and the local Tongan Methodist brass band, who arrived in the front yard to play carols for my dad.

What's the best gift you've ever given?

I keep all the school work the kids come home with every year. One Christmas, I digitised it and published a hardcover book, which also included letters written by the kids. I gave it to their grandparents - it cost me about $17 to publish the book through an online website and it is probably the most valuable gift I've ever given.

What's the tastiest thing you've ever cooked for Christmas?

I'm a sucker for TikTok recipes. The best thing I have ever attempted would be Nutella-stuffed cookies by Kiwi TikTok food creator Niquay, aka Dancing Singing Baker.

What's on your Christmas playlist?

Betty-Anne Monga's debut solo album Slow Burn Of The Soul.

Do you regift your presents?

I do regift after a certain period. It feels like a waste not to! But if it's deeply sentimental, then I won't.

Sean Connolly

Chef & restaurateur, 58

What's been your most memorable Christmas?

I had a once-in-a-lifetime white Christmas in New York when I was en route to Yorkshire for a traditional Christmas with my mum and dad one year. It was snowing and magical!

What are your most loved holiday decorations?