When it comes to the festive season, David ‘Kochie’ Koch knows exactly what he wants for Christmas.
“A decent sleep in,” the Sunrise host, who has presented Channel Seven’s breakfast show for two decades, tells New Idea with a chuckle. “It’s the only time of year I stay up past 7.30pm like regular adults.”
Kochie’s co-host Natalie Barr, who clocks up her 20th year on the program this coming March, isn’t too fussed about getting the extra shut-eye though.
In fact, thanks to her early-morning starts, there’s one big perk Nat will get to enjoy when she heads to her family’s beach house in her home state of Western Australia.
“I’m always awake before everyone else, so I like to go for a nice walk along the beach and watch the beautiful sunrises,” Nat says. “Nowhere in the world has beaches like WA.”
CLICK TO SEE THE CAROLS IN THE DOMAIN CHRISTMAS SONGBOOK
But before she heads off, she and Kochie are again hosting Woolworths Carols in the Domain, which is celebrating its milestone 40th anniversary.
The event has become one of the Christmas traditions Kochie in particular looks forward to most.
“Early in December is all about going shopping, getting the perfect presents and all the preparation,” he explains. “But Carols is the official start of finally everyone getting into the spirit and just enjoying the fun in the season.”
For Nat, the night is a “magical” experience.
“Having to wear all these beautiful dresses that have been handmade by talented designers – it’s like getting married again. Then walking out onto the stage with a sea of 50,000 beaming faces and candles, it just doesn’t get any better,” she tells us.
As soon as the big night is over, the pair’s thoughts turn to spending time with their loved ones. And this year, Kochie is excited he gets to showcase a true-blue Aussie Christmas.
In July, his youngest daughter Georgie tied the knot with German banker Alex Merkel. His new son-in-law and his parents will be joining the Koch clan for their Sydney celebrations.
“Our in-laws shared a photo the other day of their apartment in Berlin and it was covered in snow,” Kochie shares. “They’ll be in for a very different experience with lots of prawns, seafood and plenty of champagne.”
The Merkels will also find themselves partaking in the TV host’s favourite tradition.
“Everyone gets a pair of matching pyjamas on Christmas Eve. The first year I needed nine pairs, but this year I’ve bought 20,” Kochie explains.
Meanwhile, Nat can’t wait to indulge her sweet tooth with the one festive treat she waits all year for.
“Pavlova’s the winner for me,” she says, smiling.
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