lifestyle

We asked 10 of our favourite women what they want for Christmas.

If you need inspiration for Christmas, we have just the women to give it to you. World peace, anyone?

Tanya Plibersek MP

“Peace and love. Whatever the kids make me, and Grapefruit Jo Malone perfume from my husband.”

Tanya Plibersek is the Federal Member for the seat of Sydney and Deputy Leader Of The Opposition.

Rebecca Sparrow

“Happy children who are also grateful and have a sense of how truly fortunate they are. Also a new Mac. SANTA? ARE YOU LISTENING?”

Rebecca Sparrow is a writer and the author of Ask Me Anything, a book where she answers the questions posed to her by hundreds of teenage girls. 

Nikki Gemmell

“A safe. Not for anything I own, but to hide every single screen that is used by a child in this house. I am deadly serious and have already requested Santa for it. Just like the ones in hotel rooms. I can’t wait for the wails of despair from all the kids. But it means I will have finally, conclusively, won the endless and depleting Battle of the Screens that rages often in these parts. And I am sick of taking the screens away from bowed little heads, hiding the blasted things in my secret hiding spots, then promptly forgetting where those secret hiding spots are.

“This sometimes means that when I return home from a night out with the Chap, the house displays disturbing signs of a ransacking (which means: four little monkeys have scrabbled through drawers and cupboards and even – eeeeek! – mum’s terrifying underwear drawer, in an attempt to locate the hidden electronic booty.) So I firmly believe that a safe that snugly, securely holds all their wretched tablets and phones will solve all my problems, and bring serenity back to my life.”

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Nikki is an author and columnist for The Australian. Her latest novel is Coco Banjo and the Super Wow Surprise, a children’s book, out in January. 

Senator Sarah Hanson-Young

“World Peace… or, failing that, a nice bottle of red would be great.”

Sarah Hanson-Young is an Australian Greens Senator from South Australia. 

Mia Freedman

“Some down time! We don’t do presents in our house except for the kids. It’s been a big year. My eldest son finished school and it’s been a big year of growth in the business. I need to just shift gears and read some books and do some writing. That’s what I want!”

Mia Freedman is the Founder and Content Director of the Mamamia Women’s Network.

Leigh Sales

“I can never think of anything when people ask me but I’m always spotting things in shop windows and thinking, “Yes! That’s what I’d like.”

Leigh Sales is the host of 7.30 on ABC TV.

Kate Ellis, MP

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“A good night’s sleep would be great.”

Kate is the Federal Member for Adelaide and the Shadow Minister for Education. We can assume it’s her eight-month-old, Samuel, who is keeping her up at nights.

Shelly Horton

“My Dad had heart surgery earlier this month so I just want to go home to Queensland and see him and have lots of hugs. I’m such a Daddy’s girl.”

Shelly is a journalist, commentator and founder of ShellShocked Media. 

Robin Bailey

“To breathe and be still. Honestly, the last year has been such a whirlwind of change that I hope for some quality time with my three sons and a chance to stop and do nothing.”

Robin Bailey is a host on Robin, Terry and Bob Breakfast team on Brisbane’s 97.3 FM and weekends doing features on Channel 9.

Gretel Killeen

“For as long as I can remember I’ve always wanted a pony for Christmas. One year, many years ago, I was given a saddle, but I still don’t have a paddock, any riding skill or a horse.”

Gretel Killeen is a journalist and author who’s is appearing in Smart Arsing at the Sydney Opera House on March 3 and 4.

What do you want for Christmas?