'People think my Xmas name is a joke - I didn't spot the meaning for years'
A Christmas-loving woman embodies the spirit of the festive season - from birthday, her job, and even her unintentional biblical name - but she and her family didn't realise the connection for years.
Angela Gabrielle Nelson was devastated when she was cast as a pig in her school nativity play; all she wanted was to play the angel. But, little did she know that her name represents on of the most famous angels around.
When parents choose their children's name they often think about the deeper meaning, but Angela's parents didn't realise her dream title in a Christmas play is actually her given title every day. Angela Gabrielle's name is incredibly similar to Angel Gabriel - one of the angels of higher rank.
The 40-year-old is named after one of the most recognisable angels of all time - and a character often depicted in popular Christmas movies. Angel Gabriel is described as the symbol of Christmas and embodies the herald of visions, and the messenger of God.
Angela, from South on Sea, told The Mirror in 2022 that her connection to the angel doesn't just stop at her name as other attributes in her life happen to be incredibly ironic. She explained: "I work in PR and communications, which is ironic considering my namesake is a heavenly messenger! My birthday is also December 17."
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Thankfully, it allows Angela to embody the spirit of Christmas even further and gives her a good excuse to embrace the exciting festivities. She added: "I've always loved Christmas so having such a festive name just adds to the mix. I feel like it gives me licence to totally embrace Christmas and spread cheer!"
She even has a Christmas-themed job (Angela Wilson)
Angela has an iconic Christmas name - but didn’t realise the reference until years after she was born (Angela Wilson)While Angela is named after the Christmas icon, she admits that her parents were unaware of the connection until years later. Admitting that there were no intentions to have a festive link, she describes that the situation feels rather "cosmic".
Angela explained: "At first they didn't realise. They certainly didn't choose my name based on the Christmas connection - it feels kind of cosmic that that's how it worked out. They often talk about how special that first Christmas was. I was brought home from the hospital on December 21 and they basically holed up over Christmas with their little angel!"
Angela admits that pals often assume that her name is simply a prank, but quickly find the fluke intriguing. She explained: "I often get people to guess what the G stands for and they almost never get it. Then when they find out that I'm Angela Gabrielle and that my birthday is near Christmas, people love it. They think it's cool and they always ask if it was deliberate.
"Some people have reacted by asking if I'm joking about my name and birthday. When people find out my full name, I usually get compliments, which is nice. I didn't always appreciate what a lovely name I have," she added.
Another Christmassy aspect of Angela's life is that her birthday falls extremely close to the festive day - just eight days prior - but she admits that the placement can be rather frustrating. However, her family will go above and beyond to accommodate her special day and even threw her an ironic angel-themed party for her 13th birthday.
She reminisced: "Having a Christmas birthday used to be a bit annoying because everyone is focused on other things and often busy with work dos but I don't mind so much anymore. My family have always made an effort to make my birthday special - no joint presents or anything like that."
Angela added: "I've always dreamed of playing the Angel Gabriel in the nativity and secretly thought it should be a no-brainer considering my archangel connections. Other little girls want to be Mary, I just wanted the halo and wings. It felt like it should be me but alas it was not to be."
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