The Australian Women's Weekly

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Editor’s letter

Open line • “At Christmas, all roads lead home.” – MARJORIE HOLMES

Behind the scenes

Christmas, our way • From Chinese banquets to backyard barbecues, how we celebrate the holidays around Australia is unique to every family. We catch up with some of our favourite stars to hear how they mark the most wonderful time of the year.

Christmas 2022 In brief

Finding peace Jessica Rowe • With her ready laugh and ability to poke fun at her self-professed “crap housewife” skills, Jessica Rowe has forged a brilliant new career outside the world of television. And the key, she says, was learning how to finally let go.

On the road to Christmas Hills • Christmas is a time to celebrate the places we treasure and the people we love. We travel to Christmas Hills in the north of Tasmania, and along the way visit four communities where the year’s challenges have been vanquished and the locals are doing just that.

Royal insider • Behind Palace gates with Juliet Rieden

Born to shine • Twins Olivia and Zoe have already overcome unimaginable challenges. This year, they’ll celebrate their fourth Christmas thanks to a new development in the care of premature babies, and to the special bond they share.

Music made with love! • It’s been a tough year for Australia’s first family of rock‘n’roll, but a lot of love and a rabble of grandkids have seen Jimmy and Jane Barnes through.

The GREATEST GIFT • Finding joy after loss isn’t easy. This Christmas, Ellidy Pullin is paying tribute to her late partner, Chumpy, and making memories with their daughter, Minnie.

LOVE AND COURAGE • Dr Alison Thompson OAM, an “Aussie surfer girl” and first responder, has spent her year bringing hope and medical aid to disaster zones from Puerto Rico to Ukraine.

How to nail Christmas Day by Julia Morris • Ahead of a new comedy tour, Julia Morris reveals how she makes sure Christmas Day is filled with lots of laughter – and zero tears.

Tea & scones & a women’s revolution • As the Country Women’s Association turns 100, The Weekly visits the tiny town of Crookwell in NSW, where generations of tenacious women have ensured the CWA’s very first branch is still thriving.

“It’s nice that life can still surprise you” -graham Norton • At 59, the vibrant TV chat show host never expected to be getting married, writing his fourth novel or spending three months a year back in Ireland.

The CURIOUS TALE of AUSTRALIA’S own MISS HAVISHAM • Eliza Emily Donnithorne might not, as locals believe, still walk the overgrown paths of a Camperdown cemetery in a wedding dress as luminous as the moon. But this Sydney recluse and eccentric may well have inspired one of literature’s most tragic romantic figures.

Home is where the heart is • As we age, staying active and connected to community is crucial. Betty, who lives independently at 105, credits her community work and crosswords with keeping her sharp.

The PRINCESS and the SHAMAN • When Princess Märtha Louise of Norway fell in love with a Californian guru, it was assumed to be a passing phase. But six months into their engagement, many are asking how warmly the flamboyant Durek Verrett will be welcomed as a royal son-in-law.

my story “I’m licensed to sleigh! ” • Spending Christmas halfway across the world became far less lonely for Amanda Kendle when she was invited on the adventure of a lifetime.

Kids in the kitchen • The desire to explore new tastes, textures and flavours comes naturally to Melissa Leong. Now, she’s got a new project which she hopes will encourage even the fussiest of eaters to do the same.

The Christmas split...