'I'd never buy it for myself.' Everything on the Mamamia team's wish list this Christmas.

Oh no, not another Christmas gift guide, we hear you say...

Well fear not! This year, instead of bringing you a generic list of presents to buy family and friends, we're asking some familiar faces from Mamamia to share what's on their wish list - and what their Christmas Day actually looks like. Because let's be honest, these things look very different for everybody. 

From poolside drinks to an Irish white Christmas, here's what they had to say.

Cate Campbell, Olympic swimmer and co-host of Here If You Need.

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What does Christmas Day look like for you? I can smell Christmas before I see it. It’s warm and salty and sweet with a just hint of spice. 

When I was a kid, the smell would wind its way through the corridors of the house - from the kitchen, around the corners and under bedroom doors. 

Heady with anticipation and still drunk on sleep, I’d stumble out to the kitchen to find the giant leg of glazed ham roasting in the oven, giving off its mouth-watering smell. To this day, the smell of ham reminds me of Christmas and no Christmas is complete without it.

Christmas is relatively quiet in our household - having no extended family in Brisbane, it was just the seven of us (I’m the eldest of five kids). Nowadays, it has extended to include partners and the occasional 'orphan' friend. 

Our only non-negotiable tradition (apart from the ham), is a Christmas swim in the backyard pool. It is a must - rain, hail, or shine. Followed by the long lunch, which turns into dinner and an inevitable food coma. 

This Christmas will be no different - we will gather together at my parent’s place in Brisbane, swim no matter the weather, eat our yearly quota of ham and catch up on the year that was. It’s my idea of bliss. 

What's on your Christmas wish list? 

Theragun Vibrating Wave Solo Black, $129.

Image: Pushys/Mamamia.

A vibrating trigger point ball. 

Firstly, get your head out of the gutter - this is a serious piece of recovery equipment. I'm embarking on a comeback for my fifth Olympic Games, so I am going to need all the recovery gadgets I can find! 

Dyson V11™ vacuum, $949.

Image: Dyson/Mamamia.

Santa would have to be feeling very generous if this turned up under the tree - but it doesn't hurt to ask right? My current stick vacuum is on its last legs and I've been putting off buying a new one. 

Disney+ 1-Year Subscription, $119.99.

Image: Disney/Mamamia.

And a subscription to Disney+ for a year. 

I am super stingy and already have Binge, Netflix and Stan and therefore can't justify Disney as well - but I'm dying to watch some of their new TV shows.

Holly Wainwright, Head of Content and co-host of Mamamia Out Loud.

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What does Christmas Day look like for you? It looks different since we moved away from the city, but there is one non-negotiable - a swim. 

If you grew up in the Northern Hemisphere, with freezing rain and eight hours of sunlight on Christmas Day, you will never get over the novelty of swimming in warm weather on December 25. 

A lot of people from the other side of the world struggle with a summer Christmas, but I am not one of them - I've always thought that you can't re-create the twinkly-light winter experience, you've got to embrace the sunny one and make new traditions. 

So we always wake up early (thanks, kids), my children Matilda and Billy open their stockings, then we do under-the-tree presents while having our favourite things for breakfast (chocolate pastries for Brent and the kids, salmon bagel for me). Then we go to the beach for an hour and get wet. 

Then lunch with family. If we're in Sydney, it's over to Brent's brother's place. Down here on the South Coast this year we're having Sydney friends come to us in the afternoon, and family on Boxing Day. 

So there will be a big, easy lunch outside (hopefully), lots of bubbly wine and kids charging about, then generally we collapse and watch movies at night and call the family over in the UK as they're waking up. And I love it. Big fan of Christmas, here. 

What's on your Christmas wish list? I'm sure I'm supposed to say nothing. 

But personally, after all the shopping I'll be doing for everyone else, I want a bloody present to unwrap under the tree.

Apple Watch SE Midnight Aluminium Case with Sport Band, starting from $399.

Image: Apple/Mamamia.

I want an Apple Watch and it's just not something I would ever splash out to buy myself, even though if Brent "buys it for me" it all comes out of the same family budget. Somehow it feels different. 

Reid Cycles Ladies Classic Plus Vintage Bike Black, $299.

Image: Reid Cycles/Mamamia.

I also want a push bike. So maybe if an Apple Watch just gets unromantically rolled into the family phone plan, I might get lucky and get both.

Leigh Campbell, Executive Editor and co-host of You Beauty.

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What does Christmas Day look like for you? I have a three-and-a-half-year-old so the excitement of Christmas is well and truly ignited.

The night before we lay out carrots, milk and cookies for Santa and his boss female reindeers. Then we wake at some ungodly hour to open gifts. 

The rest of the day is full of family and food (a mix of hot food like ham and turkey and cold stuff like seafood), then games in the backyard and an afternoon nap. Perfect!

What's on your Christmas wish list?

Merivale Gift Card, starting from $20.

Image: Merivale/Mamamia.

I'm very lucky in that I've got most of the material things I want or need, so I always love a restaurant voucher - forces me to book a date night with my husband or lunch with a girlfriend. I'm all about experiences these days.

Tamara Holland, Head of Lifestyle and co-host of What Are You Wearing?.

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What does Christmas Day look like for you? I was raised Jewish and spent my childhood doing absolutely nothing on Christmas Day, so it's become a bit of a novelty for me as an adult. 

My husband's family usually gets together for a big lunch with a traditional spread, and I love getting involved in that and bringing a few Hanukkah traditions to the table, like making potato latkes (sweet, sweet deep-friend spuds) and spinning dreidels.

This year we'll actually be in Ireland for our good friend's wedding, so we're celebrating with the groom's family at their home in a little village in Northern Ireland - I'm hanging out for a white Christmas and repeat screenings of The Holiday.

What's on your Christmas wish list?

Assouline Ibiza Bohemia, $170.

Image: The Iconic/Mamamia.

Coffee table books are my favourite type of interactive decor! They're also a somewhat productive way to pass time while you're lounging around during Summer holidays. 

I have always wanted one of these cult (and very spendy) Assouline tomes, and I'm hoping someone takes the plunge for me this year...

Jai Vasicek Nora Tile, $250.

Image: Jai Vasicek/Mamamia.

I'm a big fan of Australian artist Jai Vasicek and his signature bohemian-inspired works, I think they're quite affordable for how gorgeous and unique they are.

I already have one of his beautiful printed tiles in my home and I'm hoping to collect a few more - starting with this lady.

Laura Brodnik, Head of Entertainment and co-host of The Spill.

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What does Christmas Day look like for you? This year my family's Christmas will be spread across a few days.

We’ll be having Christmas dinner and present-giving with my older sister, her husband, and kids a few days early before they head off to my brother-in-law’s side of the family. 

Christmas Day is going to be myself, my sister, brother, mother and sister-in-law for a decadent lunch and present-giving. Our family all give each other presents, there’s no such thing as Secret Santa, so that part of the day takes up a hefty chunk of time.

And in the full spirit of Christmas honesty… my sister and I are saving the new season of Emily In Paris to watch on Christmas Day afternoon with multiple bottles of wine. Please don’t pretend like that is not a perfect day.

What's on your Christmas wish list?

Apple AirPods, starting from $219.

Image: Apple/Mamamia.

It’s been taken out of my hands, but my sister Lucy is demanding that I receive AirPods for Christmas.

I’ve always been a corded earphone kind of girl, but this means I spend a lot of time cooking and cleaning in my apartment with podcasts blasting in my ears and my phone tucked precariously under my arm so I can have my headphones in. 

There have now been too many near misses with my phone dangling above a sink full of dishes or a vat of pasta and so the AirPods are coming my way for Christmas.

Glasshouse Fragrances One Night in Rio Candle, $54.95.

Image: Glasshouse Candles/Mamamia.

Also, I know candles are seen as a tragic default present, but as someone who plays pretty fast and loose with having open flames everywhere in their home, I always ask for pretty scented candles for Christmas. Just to help out with that expensive addiction.

Clare Stephens, Executive Editor and co-host of Cancelled.

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What does Christmas Day look like for you? Christmas Day is one of my favourite days of the year. 

We usually start the day at our family home - Mum and Dad's - with a terrible tree Mum's found in a cupboard and haphazardly wrapped gifts. 

My dog is inevitably running around with a ribbon tied to his collar against his will, and Mum has a playlist on that's mostly hits from the early 2000s. 

We all pretend we don't care about presents but secretly we all really, really care. My sister and I have never, ever bought each other gifts because that would be weird, but we buy for everyone else. Once Mum has a scented candle and Dad has a weird gadget, we head to my Pop's house with my aunties, uncles and cousins. 

Dad started a tradition that we all made fun of him for but that's actually quite nice - we go around and share the best thing that's happened to us this year. It sort of turns into sharing what we're grateful for, which seems... relevant. 

My family are my favourite people in the world so I love every minute of it. 

What's on your Christmas wish list? 

Dior Miss Dior Eau de Toilette, $152.

Image: Myer/Mamamia.

A fragrance! I haven't had one for about a year and I feel weird buying one for myself.

By Charlotte Gold North Star Bracelet, $149.

Image: The Iconic/Mamamia.

I also always love jewellery. Again, I never buy it for myself so the only jewellery I wear is from birthday and Christmas presents! 

But let's be real - I'm very lucky and I don't need anything. Having my family together is the best gift I could ever ask for (sorry, Christmas makes me weirdly sentimental). 

Erin Docherty, Senior Health & Beauty Writer and co-host of You Beauty.

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What does Christmas Day look like for you? Christmas Day for me is all about celebrating with the fam.

We head to my parents' house in the morning to do Secret Santa and pretend we haven't told each other who we have. Our family friends come around to join us for a traditional Christmas lunch (the ham and the roast potatoes, though... *drools*), followed by drinks (and... more drinks) and games! 

Eleven times out of ten I'll pass out on the lounge somewhere in between because SO. MUCH. FOOD.

What's on your Christmas wish list?

SkinCeuticals AM/PM Pack, $250.

Image: Adore Beauty/Mamamia.

The number one thing on my wish list is bright and juicy skin, people. And there's no better way to nab it than this morning and evening skincare pack from SkinCeuticals. I'm already frothing.

It comes with everything you need for better skin - the cult SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum, SkinCeuticals Resveratrol B E, SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier and SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial Defense SPF50. Heaven! 

Asics Gel-Kayano 29, $270.

Image: The Iconic/Mamamia.

Okay, but I think I've had the same trainers for about five years, and after getting knee surgery (for the... third time), I think I need a good pair that aren't falling apart? 

These Asics aren't colourful and don't light up, which is ultimately disappointing - but my partner has a similar pair and is forever raving about them. On the list!

Charlotte Begg, Senior Content Producer (Lifestyle) and Weekend Editor.

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What does Christmas Day look like for you? Christmas Day is probably my favourite day of the year. 

It's a very festive time for us as my birthday is just two days before, but on Christmas Day, everyone's smiling and is just so happy. I come from a small family (I have one cousin) so there's about 10 of us most years and we celebrate at my parents' house with a long lunch.

Ever since I was a kid, my mum would buy Panettone - Italian sweet bread - and we would eat it with butter and icing sugar in front of the tree for breakfast. Now my fiance and I do the same thing, but instead of Panettone, it's fresh sourdough, Pepe Saya butter (the only time I pay $9 for butter) and anchovies. Don't knock it 'til you try it.

Then it's onto the big lunch - seafood, ham, Christmas pudding, etc.

We always open presents before dessert and the rule is the kids (me and my siblings and our teenage cousin) have to hand them out. Then it's onto arvo naps for some and more drinking for others.

What's on your Christmas list?

Acne Studios Canada Skinny Fringed Wool Scarf, $159.19.

Image: Net-a-Porter/Mamamia.

I'll be missing out on that Christmas Day this year and instead having a (hopefully) white Christmas in the UK with my partner's family. And I'm eyeing off this Acne Studios wool scarf. 

I know we're going into summer here, but this is a wardrobe staple that will last year on year. If someone gave me this even if I wasn't going overseas, I'd be stoked.

Rubi Ribbed Coupe Glass, currently on sale for $20.

Image: Cotton On/Mamamia.

Since when did Cotton On do homewares? These glasses are fabulous - they come in so many colours and shapes and are such a lovely gift that won't break the bank. 

Opallac Gel Polish Kit, currently on sale for $49.

Image: Kmart/Mamamia.

Lastly, I'm trying to spend less money on getting my nails done and less time in the salon doing it, so I would love a kit for DIY manis at home. This one from Kmart would be a game changer.

Lucy Neville, Senior Creative Producer.

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What does Christmas Day look like for you? Christmas is the main event in my family's calendar year. 

I grew up with six cousins and two sisters who all happen to be in a similar age range and I count down the days every year. My dad is one of four brothers, so we rotate each year and spent a few days together from Christmas Eve to boxing day with champagne (or prawns or ham or margaritas or pavlova) in hand the whole time. 

As I get older, I realise how lucky I am to be a part of my family. However, I know that Christmas isn't a joyful time for everyone, and I'm sending all my love. 

What's on your Christmas wish list?

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked - Elephant, $154.44.

Image: Cult Beauty/Mamamia.

Look, I did... possibly... maybe already buy this for myself BUT I think this is the perfect Christmas gift for a beauty obsessive.

Hourglass powders go the distance and this palette is serious value for money. This will take me a whole year to go through, even if I'm using it every day. I managed to find the 'Elephant' palette on Cult Beauty... run.

Gascoigne & King Stem Candle, $60.

Image: Gascoigne & King/Mamamia.

I don't understand the beef people have with giving candles as a gift, candles are a GREAT gift. Who isn't excited to burn a beautiful candle in their home? 

They seem to be one of those things you tend to buy for others, and not for yourself. This is a beautiful scent and I've repurchased it many times for myself. 

Saint Valentine Wabi Sabi Hoop Earrings, $155.

Image: The Iconic/Mamamia.

I have a pair of the Amalfi Hoops from Saint Valentine and I get stopped on the street to ask where they're from. I love the mixture between classic, chic and fun that they do so well. I've got my eyes on these...

Sharon Hunt, co-host of You Beauty.

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What does Christmas day look like for you? A year ago, my husband made the comment that Christmas felt magical again now that we had children – and it’s absolutely true! 

Nowadays, the countdown to Christmas makes my five- and three-year-old giddy with excitement – and there really is nothing quite like Christmas morning.

When the kids excitedly wake up around 6am (brutal!) we check out the bounty of presents Santa’s left under the Christmas tree, and the unwrapping madness begins! 

After that, the kids invariably want to play with everything at once, which means a flurry of breaking open boxes, loading in batteries and toy assembly. After all that excitement (and a coffee!) the preparations for the day ahead actually begin. We host family Christmas lunch at our place, which means the morning is spent doing last minute tidying up and preparation before guests arrive.

It’s usually around 10-15 family members at our place and everyone brings a few dishes to contribute. Luckily for myself and our family, my husband being a chef does inevitably mean he does the lion’s share of the Christmas Day cooking – and our lunch feasts are enviable!

From the moment everyone arrives around 11.30am it is a non-stop eat fest; nibbles and drinks on arrival later rolls into an epic buffet-style lunch spread followed by dessert and coffee.

Finally, the day wraps late into the early evening - and of course no one leaves without boxes of takeaway leftovers.

What's on your Christmas wish list? 

We stopped doing presents for the adults a long time ago at Christmas – but instead we go all out when it comes to the food in both abundance and quality. So, this means my Christmas wish list is extremely food centric!

We’re fortunate to live in the Sydney suburb of Haberfield, which is home to some of the best local cheese and delicatessen stores – and they’re perfect for putting together an epic charcuterie board.

So top of my wish list is choosing whatever catches my fancy at the Paesenella cheese store and Lamonica IGA Haberfield small goods counter – IYKYK. 

But the real Christmas miracle is if you manage to go into these stores in December without having to queue up!

Kelly McCarren, co-host of You Beauty.

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What does Christmas day look like for you? My sister-in-law is Slovakian, so on Christmas Eve, she cooks a traditional feast and we dress up and it’s so fun. It involves garlic cloves and warm buttery vodka shots between courses while shouting “Na zdravie”.  

Christmas morning we sometimes go to church because my mum thinks it’s nice and my brother and I have to be separated because we like to sit together and giggle.

We do presents and food and we play pool games and generally go to the beach in the afternoon and drink spiked punch and champagne and my dad always over-orders prawns while mum never makes enough pie and it’s all just a really fun (very loud) time. 

This will be my baby's first Christmas so I want to make everything so special for him!

What's on your Christmas wish list? I'm hoping for a few days in Bali solo to reset for the year ahead. My husband Luke will need to take time off work (so our son Lenny is cared for) so that will be my gift.

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Feature image: Instagram/@_tamaradavis_ @leighacampbell @wainwrightholly @clare.stephenss

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