celebrity

Jesinta and Buddy Franklin says they're going gift-less this Christmas.

This is the first Christmas Jesinta and Lance “Buddy” Franklin will spend as married couple, and they’re not giving each other Christmas presents.

Instead, they’re donating the money to charity.

“We are really excited. We haven’t decided what our plans are yet – something with the family though,” Jesinta, 25, told Sunday’s Daily Telegraph. “I love that it’s a chance for the family to come together. It’s the only time of year that all of us are together at once, so it’s really special.”

The former Miss Universe Australia and the 29-year-old AFL star tied the knot in a secret ceremony in November this year. They kept the details of the wedding private, and announced themselves as “Mr and Mrs Franklin” via Instagram.

Mr & Mrs Franklin ❤️

A photo posted by JESINTA FRANKLIN (@jesinta_franklin) on

Last night at the house of #love w// @tiffanyandco ????⭐️ wearing @louisvuitton ????✨

A photo posted by JESINTA FRANKLIN (@jesinta_franklin) on

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Their Christmas gift-giving etiquette is a growing trend. It’s a selfless way to celebrate Christmas. (And it also saves time in trying to find the right shade of blue for your fussy brother who wants a tee-shirt, and hunting down the book you’ve been looking and looking for, but no one stocks, to give to your dad.)

Importantly, giving to charity doesn’t mean taking the personal touch out of gift-giving.

“As long as you’re selective, and think about what they believe in, it can be one of the most kind and thoughtful gifts I can imagine,” Katya Andresen, vice president for marketing for Network for Good told the New York Times. 

Think charities for the environment, victims of natural disasters, the elderly, sick children, the homeless, medical research, endangered species. The options are endless.

Last year, Buddy spoke publicly for the first time about his hidden battle with epilepsy and depression. Since then, Jesinta has been an advocate for awareness around mental health. She has also been involved with various charities throughout her career as a model and television presenter.

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