The holidays are supposed to be joyful, but for many, they’re also a whirlwind of endless to-do lists, family obligations, and overwhelming expectations. Few know that reality better than Jenna Bush Hager, co-host of TODAY WITH JENNA & FRIENDS, author, podcaster, and mother of three. This year, she’s opening up about the simple yet surprising ways she keeps calm, cherishes family moments, and prevents stress from taking over her festive season.
“The holidays can feel like one long, never-ending day,” Hager tells Country Living. “Thanksgiving isn’t just a single meal anymore—kids are out of school, relatives are coming, and suddenly it’s this extended, chaotic weekend. As moms, we’re the ones running around fetching forks, wiping spills, and trying to make everything perfect. Sometimes my daughter Mila will just look at me and say, ‘Mom, please just sit.’ And honestly? That’s the advice I try to follow.”
Hager, 42, emphasizes that slowing down and being present is her number-one goal. “I try to focus on what we’re grateful for and the people around me, rather than racing from one thing to the next. I’m off from work, I don’t have to wake up at 4:50 a.m., and for the first time in a long while, I can actually enjoy moments with my kids, staying up past 8:45 p.m. without guilt. It’s liberating.”
Family traditions play a key role in helping Hager center herself. “We usually host Thanksgiving with my husband’s side of the family,” she explains. “It’s a full house! Sometimes we buy our Christmas tree on Thanksgiving weekend, which is chaotic but fun. There’s a fire in the fireplace, we’re all in our pajamas, and there’s no rush. We lounge, laugh, and enjoy the time together. It’s messy, but that’s the magic.”
Hager also shares how she balances holiday cooking with mindfulness. “Everyone pitches in,” she says. “I’ll make my signature pumpkin pie or truffle mashed potatoes, but it’s a team effort. It’s about making memories, not stressing about perfection.”
Her approach to stress management isn’t just seasonal—it’s a lifelong practice learned from her mother, Laura Bush. “Mom always said, ‘Don’t sweat the small stuff,’” Jenna recalls. “It’s simple advice, but it works if you practice it daily. It reminds you to focus on what matters and let the little irritations slide.”
Jenna’s tips for a calmer, more joyful holiday season are refreshingly practical: slow down, focus on gratitude, share responsibilities, embrace imperfections, and treasure family moments. By taking her own advice, she’s not only surviving the holiday madness—she’s thriving in it.
With her busy career, parenting, and writing commitments, Jenna Bush Hager proves that a joyful, stress-free holiday isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. And her hidden secrets? They’re simple, attainable, and could transform the way any family experiences the season.
Leave a Reply