On Christmas Eve, eight-year-old Stevie makes sure her bedroom window is closed and her curtains are pulled – it’s easier to block out the smell of Christmas drifting in from next door that way.
 
For Stevie, her mum and little brother Lennox, Christmas has never smelt like a roast meal and pavlova. It’s smelt like nothing at all.
 
Stevie has gotten used to the empty feeling of waking up on Christmas morning to find no presents or decorations. If she leaves her windows open, however, the delicious smell of her neighbours’ Christmas barbeques and yummy treats makes Stevie’s mouth water, her stomach growl and her eyes pool with tears.

She knows that her day will only bring toast and whatever is left over from the foodbank. And if she’s lucky, a couple of chocolate biscuits. Just like any other meal of the year.
There’s a part of Stevie that holds on to hope. Just in case Santa and his reindeer pass by, she leaves out a stale cracker and a glass of water, but she won’t be disappointed when it’s still there in the morning.
  
Stevie dreams of a Christmas table filled with the smell of a proper Christmas dinner. Something warm to share with her mum and Lennox, and maybe even a treat to finish. 
For 1 in 5 Kiwi kids like Stevie, Christmas doesn’t bring joy and excitement – it brings a sense of unfulfilled hope and a reminder of what’s out of reach.

Through Variety's Christmas Appeal, you can help bring a special Christmas meal within reach for children like Stevie, giving them something to look forward to and a chance to share in the joy of the season.

Donate now at varietychristmas.org.nz