Jana Ina Zarrella has long been in the Christmas spirit: “We Brazilians always start decorating early,” reveals the moderator.
With Jana Ina Zarrella (46), Christmas fever has long broken out. “Our Christmas tree has been in the living room since the beginning of December,” reveals the moderator while visiting an animal board. The 46-year-old has been an ambassador for the “Tierisch Engaged” initiative for animal welfare for many years.
Have you already decorated your home for Christmas?
Jana Ina Zarrella: Yes, we Brazilians always start decorating early. I want to have the Christmas spirit at home on the 1st of Advent, so I get everything out of the garage very early to decorate. Even our Christmas tree has been in the living room since the beginning of December.
How are you celebrating this year?
Zarrella: My mum is coming to Germany and we’re all celebrating with us. Our families get together and we celebrate Christmas Eve. We pray, eat, sing and open gifts. I love it when everyone is together and the house is full. It reminds me of my childhood when all my cousins would be there and we would celebrate together – I’ve always loved Christmas because of that.
What can’t be missing at Christmas for you?
Zarrella: Christmas is a family celebration and that’s why it would never be an option for me to celebrate without my family. We all love being together, there’s nothing quite like it.
During the Christmas season, the focus is more on the idea of charity. You visit an animal board in Düsseldorf, which has to cope with an enormous rush…
Zarrella: That’s right. Economic crisis, inflation: We are all currently feeling this in our wallets, and of course it is also having an effect on the animal boards throughout Germany. The situation is dramatic: more and more people who keep animals are dependent on the support of the animal boards due to the rising cost of living – but at the same time the donations are decreasing. That breaks my heart personally: Because especially in these currently challenging times for all of us, pets are an important support for many people. It’s terrible when they find it difficult to look after their loved ones or even have to give them up in the end.
How can each individual help here?
Zarrella: Tiertafeln depends on donations. The local helpers are happy to receive monetary and material donations. If you don’t have an animal sign nearby, you are welcome to stop by a Fressnapf branch. As part of the “Tierisch Engaged” initiative, there will be wishing trees in participating markets until Christmas Eve. They have notes on them with wishes, such as a special food, a berth or a collar. Customers can take these slips of paper, fill them in and place them under the tree. After Christmas Eve, the presents are handed over to the animal board. For those who prefer to donate time or want to: animal boards, animal welfare associations and animal shelters are always looking for volunteers.
You have been involved in animal welfare for many years. As a successful presenter, mother of two and wife, where do you find the time?
Zarrella: As an ambassador for the “Tierisch Engaged” initiative, I’m very happy to help draw more attention to the issue of animal welfare – I take the time for that. Also, we often forget how lucky we are and how others struggle every day. That’s why I like to give something back! This year I was allowed to accompany some great and important actions.
What is your personal balance sheet for the year 2022?
Zarrella: We are blessed – we are healthy, allowed to do what we love, have a great family and a beautiful home. I got to see my family again and my brother now lives in Germany and works with me. I can only thank you for everything.
What do you wish for 2023?
Zarrella: A world where children don’t have to think about the pandemic or war – that’s all I wish for.
Source: Stern
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