Exclusive: Sarah Abo hopes to never spend another Christmas like her last: 'I was begging the doctors'

EXCLUSIVE: Sarah Abo hopes to never spend another Christmas like her last.

In 2024, just two days before she was supposed to co-host the live Christmas Eve event Vision Australia's Carols by Candlelight, Abo was taken to hospital with appendicitis.

"I was begging the doctors, the surgeons, to see if I could delay the surgery so that I could get [to Carols by Candlelight] in time. But, yes, sadly, that wasn't the case," the Today host recalled to 9Entertainment.

Vision Australia's Carols by Candlelight presented by AAMI airs Wednesday, December 24, live at 8pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.

This year, Abo is "thrilled to be back" in her home town of Melbourne at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl for an unforgettable night of festive cheer.

"I definitely know where I'd rather be, and that is absolutely on stage and not in a hospital bed," she said.

She'll be on hosting duties with Today Extra host and singer David Campbell.

"DC is such a pleasure to work with, especially on an event like Carols because he's done it for 11 years now. He could do it with his eyes closed when it comes to hosting an event that spectacular," Abo raved.

"He just embodies the event, with him it doesn't even feel like a job and it's so much fun to celebrate a wonderful year with everyone on stage."

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David Campbell won't just be hosting, he'll also be delivering a show-stopping performance alongside US country sensation Lainey Wilson.

"It makes it all the more special because of the funds that we're raising for those who need it," Abo said of the event.

Carols by Candlelight is Vision Australia's biggest annual fundraiser for children's services, with 100 per cent of profits from ticket sales and donations going directly towards supporting close to 2000 families with children who are blind or have low vision.

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How does Sarah Abo celebrate Christmas?

Normally the Abo family would celebrate Christmas Eve watching Carols in the living room.

Ever since Abo took on the Carols gig in 2023, they've shifted their big family celebrations to a little bit earlier.

"It's all about family so we all get together, have a big, boisterous Syrian feast, which includes some incredible cuisines from my Syrian heritage.

"We've got four nephews and a new niece, who'll be celebrating her first Christmas. She's the first little girl in the family so I'm relishing the opportunity to buy cute little dresses. Things for her are already on the way."

How do I get tickets to Carols by Candlelight?

The most talented names in Aussie music will take to the stage, including Dami Im, Casey Donovan, Michael Paytner, Emma Memma, Andy Karl and Elise McCann.

Viewers will see some dynamic collaborations such as Tim Campbell and vocal diva Paulini and the self-proclaimed 'Kings of Christmas', Rob Mills and Bobby Fox.

Plus, we welcome back our beloved Carols family: Marina Prior, Silvie Paladino, David Hobson and Denis Walter.

With all profits from ticket sales going directly towards Vision Australia, you can buy your tickets to the Sidney Myer Music Bowl here.

Vision Australia's Carols By Candlelight presented by AAMI airs Wednesday, December 24, live at 8pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.

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