Fran
We never know for sure exactly what is around the corner, but what we do know is that there will undoubtedly be challanges; life is full of them!
My 2018 and 2019 certainly had their fair share of curve balls but somehow, here I am at the end of another year, feeling even stronger, and hopefully a wiser person. I am thankful to my colleagues, clients, friends and family for their support in keeping me centred and sane. I look forward to a brilliant summer break, cannot wait.
My wish to all Verve readers is that you too enjoy an amazing holiday, time with your favourite people, cosy conversations, fabulous food and drink, and the chance to reflect on time past, opportunities ahead, and life in general.
xx
Fran
Jude
I am finding it difficult to believe we have published our beautiful December issue – now it’s time to breathe and smell the roses! I’m grateful for the year I have had: the many celebrations with my family; travelling to Venice with Dane’s work at the Biennale; celebrating with my daughter, Paris, on a daily basis her amazing work with Paris Gerogia; and my other son, Jess, in New York who has given me two beautiful granddaughters. I feel incredibly grateful for my life, for being well and having a wonderful family and friends that are all around me. It’s important to celebrate life on a daily basis and be grateful for what we all have. I’m getting myself ready for a holiday to the Coromandel to relax, sleep, laugh and dance.
So yes, feeling incredibly lucky and a big thank you to all our advertisers and readers who embrace Verve on a monthly basis. Take care everyone, travel safe.
Christine
The year has passed so swiftly and here we are about to embark on 2020.
I look forward to spending a wonderful Christmas Day with my family where we will enjoy each others company, eat lots and spoil the children and pets. It is a time for reflection, to remember those not with us and to be grateful for what we have in our beautiful country.
Wishing all our readers and the Verve team a safe and happy Christmas.
Rima
Me: “I want a Hippogriff for Christmas”
Santa: “Be realistic”
Me: “Okay. I want 5 minutes to myself each day to drink my coffee hot and wine ice-cold.”
Santa: “What colour Hippogriff would you like?”
Sigh, fruit cakes and rum and spices and ham roasts… When it starts to smell like Christmas, it’s hard not to get into the spirit. Christmas is extra special when you spend it with people you care about, and I’m so lucky I get to spend it with my mum and best friends this year! I hope this Christmas, your life be filled with happiness and prosperity always and may your eggnog be spiked with plenty of rum to get you through this holiday season and into a smashing 2020.
PS: Don’t let anyone make you believe that Santa doesn’t exist.
Jamie
I’ll be spending Christmas with friends and family in Birmingham, and Hogmanay among the romance of the Scottish Highlands, where, excitingly, I’ll also be attending a murder mystery night. Maybe you’ll read all about it in Verve in 2020, providing I make it out alive…
Merry Christmas dear readers, and all the best for the new year.
Dave
For me, Christmas is a time of great joy, tempered with a hint of reflection. I thankfully have a young family that still believes in the magical Christmas season (something that requires a fair share of lighthearted skulduggery to keep the spirit alive, I can tell you), but I also always spare a thought (and raise a glass) for those that can’t be with us.
Take time to relax and recharge, regardless of what the ghost of Christmas past has delivered or what the future has in store, I urge you to simply enjoy the moment. Merry Christmas, be safe and see you all in 2020.
Zanalee
I cannot wait to relax and just take a breather these holidays. Spending time with family and friends and reconnecting with my arts and crafts.
A massive shout out to my team mates who have kept me going this year, much love to you all.
Keep your head up and happy holidays family.
AJ
Over Christmas and New Year’s I’m looking forward to a much needed break for a few days! Will be spending Christmas doing the usual traditions – Christmas lights on Franklin Road, ice skating at Motat and spending time with friends and extended family over the holiday period. Will be spending time with my nana in the new year and look forward to hopefully planning a trip overseas in 2020.
Ken
It’s been a busy year, with much learning in life, work and education. So, these holidays I’m very much looking forward to taking the time to relax and reflect with friends and family—with plenty of celebrating too. I’m thrilled to be graduating with my masters in 2020 and can’t wait to travel and live life to the fullest.
Stay safe, wishing you all the best.
Jeff
This year will be completely different from previous Christmases as it will be one spent far away from my family and hometown of Konstanz in Germany. Also, it will be warm instead of the usual snowy one—which does offer a more festive feeling.
I will be touring South Island, so will be either alone or with other travellers, but I find not knowing exactly what’s in store both motivating and exciting.
I have wonderful childhood memories of Christmas, watching feel-good movies and spending time with my family. They are memories that fill me with joy, and I look forward to creating many new ones in New Zealand.
