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and then what?
Well, we go to Church wherever we
happen to be, and then we go home
and either cook lunch or have a
cold lunch that I may have prepared
before. We often open a bottle of
bubbly and open (modest) presents,
and just relax. No big deal. We
often have family around for lunch if
we are not away on holiday.
What are you buying your
husband for Christmas?
We are not “big” on presents, I must
admit. We always get each other
small things that are meaningful. I’ll
find something that he’ll find amusing
or like. And I always get him a
book.
IN 2009 Zille became the Premier of the Western Cape
year 6 May 2007, Helen Zille was
elected as the party leader for the
DA and the year after in 2008 Zille
again made headlines when she
was awarded the Mayor of the Year
award, especially for her efforts to
eradicate drugs and violence, and
to improve service delivery. 5 May
2009, Zille became the Premier of
the Western Cape .Zille is married to
Professor John Maree, and together
they have two sons, Paul and
Thomas.
the festive season – Do you find
it difficult to switch off and only
focus on yourself and the family.
Traditionally, when I go on holiday,
I try to learn some Xhosa every day
and read the books that I was not
able to get read during the year. I
love being absolutely slothful during
a break and just reading.
With holidays, and the festive
season but more importantly
Christmas arriving soon, can we
assume you looking forward to a
much needed break (holiday)?
I am really looking forward to the
break. We are off to Churchaven
for a week and then we are off to
Keurboomsriver. I’ll be away from
24 December to mid-January. My
offices close on 16 December, but
I am always available on social
media.
I think we can all agree with
time came change, especially
with regards to the manner we
celebrate Christmas. Today people
seem to celebrate Christmas
much differently as for example
10- 15 years ago. Has Christmas
celebrations changed in the Zille
household?
Well, my Christmases have always
been much more relaxed than my
own parents. I like a relaxing day,
and my children have gotten used
to it. We go to church, and then
come back for lunch and it is all
very casual and warm, in a family
context.
Most of us tr y to forget about work
and work related stress during
Christmas morning 25th
December arrives, you wake up,
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I think most women – even those
who lack baking and cooking skills
tr y to make something special for
Christmas. What’s your speciality?
At Christmas I usually make
something special. My family likes
Crème Brulee or Zabaglione, things
like that. I’ll see what I do special
this year. This is the first Christmas
where I will have a DAUGHTER-INLAW and she is a really brilliant cook
(unlike me). So the thing I am looking
forward to more than anything else,
is cooking Christmas lunch with her.
“We often
open a
bottle of
bubbly”
She is more patient with me than
anyone else in my family, and she is
polite about my cooking ;-)
I have to ask, what’s your
2015 New Year’s resolution?
No more TWARS (twitter wars) and
taking each day at a time and
doing my best.
Finally, I want to ask you a
question that no other reporter
or members from the press have
ever asked you – Ready? What
color is your tooth brush? :)
I have a green one that I take
away on trips, and I use an electric
toothbrush (greyish white) at home.
NH
CHRISTMAS ISSUE 2014 / NORTHERN HILLS / PAGE 17