Gemma Collins reveals she’s ‘massively cutting back’ at Christmas with no presents amid cost of living crisis
GEMMA Collins has revealed that she’s “massively cutting back” this Christmas amid the cost-of-living crisis – saying “I don’t want gifts, I just want memories”.
The TV favourite and reality star, 42, said she’ll be stripping her festive celebrations back to their basics this year.
Gemma – who is sprinkling festive cheer to help launch the Heathrow Express Christmas elf concierge service – said will be swapping her professional Turkey cooked dinner for a homemade one and won’t be asking for presents.
Speaking exclusively to The Sun, Gemma said: “It’s Christmas every day for me, I’m so lucky – I’ve worked extremely hard and every day is Christmas for me.
“I think if you’re healthy, living and you’re breathing then it’s Christmas Day every day.”
The reality TV Queen admitted that this year will be quieter, with just her family and fiance Rami Hawash.
When asked if the star plans to cut back this festive season, Gemma told us: “Massively cutting back because people need to realise that happiness is not about material possessions or spending a lot at Christmas.
“It’s about time and the thing I really like about Christmas is that time stops.
“You haven’t got to be anywhere at a particular time, you haven’t got to rush, the world just stands still for a couple of days and for me that’s the beauty of it.
“Obviously I am a super generous person and I treat everyone throughout the year.
“I will do a little bit of Christmas shopping, my nephews get the most spoilt but my family, but we’re not really bothered about presents to be honest.
“I will get Rami something, I think he wants Prada trainers.”
Meanwhile, Rami has a relatively easy Christmas this year, with Gemma revealing she nothing on her gift wishlist apart from one thing for her garden.
“The only thing I want is a greenhouse, I’ve got everything under the sun, so for me, I like to travel or a weekend away or a nice hotel, that’s what I enjoy,” she said.
“Just making memories, going somewhere, visiting a place. I’d like a trip to the Maldives and I really want to go, so hopefully we’ll get to go.
“No one’s on my naughty list, it’s all been pretty calm this year.”
The ex-Towie star revealed exactly what a Christmas looks like in the GC household and it includes cracking open a bottle of Louis Roederer Champagne in the morning.
She laughed: “We don’t drink Prosecco in the GC house, I can’t stand Prosecco I find it too sweet.
“We wake up, mum and dad will be over.
“We crack open a bottle Louis Roederer, exchange some gifts and have a little chat, put the Christmas carols on, dad’s going to cook this year which I’m really looking forward to because other years I’ve had chefs and all of that.
“We’re just reigning it back – we just want a bit of normality.”
Gemma helped Heathrow Express launch their Christmas Elf Concierge Service at Paddington Station this week, giving away thousands of limited editions teddies to passengers until 17 December and encouraging travellers to snap a festive selfie in the giant baubles installed on the concourse.
Gemma lit up the platform in a dazzling Fairy Godmother gown and, surrounded by a team of elf helpers, kicked off the campaign aimed at spreading some global festive cheer.
Until 17 December, the Heathrow Express Elves will be busy handing out limited-edition Heathrow Express branded teddy bears, with Gemma and her elves gifting the first ones to delighted travellers this morning, as they set off on their journeys.
As part of the service, the Elves will also be on hand to help passengers with their luggage and onward travel advice and the magical, interactive experience will also include a huge Christmas tree and giant, Instagram-worthy baubles for capturing festive ‘s-elfies’ before getting on board.
With many people taking festive breaks for the first time since the end of the Pandemic and over half a million passengers expected to use the Heathrow Express over the festive period, the new Elf Concierge Service is not only ensuring travellers enjoy their Christmas journey in the most comfortable and convenient way, but also that they don’t reunite with loved ones empty handed.
It’s hoped the special edition teddies will travel far and wide across the globe and Heathrow Express organisers are also inviting travellers to snap their bear’s location and post on social media.
Gemma told us: “Everyone needs that little bit of sparkle this year, it’s been an extremely tough year for many reasons and the fact that they asked me to come and help with the launch of Heathrow Express.
“I mean who wants to sit in a car for two hours when you can jump on the Heathrow Express on their Elf concierge service and be there in 20 minutes.
“It’s fun, it’s great for the kids, what’s nice about it, is that it’s spreading festive cheer amongst travellers as they head home for Christmas.”
