Family Focus

Our holiday how-to series continues—this time with Today co-host Jenna Bush Hager in the hot seat. We wanted to know, as a mom of three, what are her mom recs for a very merry (and stress-free) season? And given her popular book-club series #ReadWithJenna, we had to get her insider intel on the best books to gift the wee ones, naturally.

Bonus: Don't forget to pick up a copy of Bush Hager's Everything Beautiful in Its Time: Seasons of Love and Loss in our Ultimate Gift Guide—personally signed by the First Daughter herself. A captivating compilation of moving, funny stories about her famous grandparents and the wisdom they passed on that has shaped her life, it's filled lessons and anecdotes that—we'll be honest—offer the perfect balm to cap off 2020.

Ultimate holiday parenting hack?
Not sure if this is a hack, but we enjoy Tex-Mex every Christmas Eve. My husband was awed by enchilada and guacamole instead of traditional ham. My kids are into it, too.

Favorite holiday activity with the kids?
Decorating the tree is a whole thing for us. It is a tradition that my parents started. We put on Christmas music, take our time, drink hot chocolate and decorate.

Must-gift book recs for children?
The Baby-Sitters Club gift set! Also, we love Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls.

Favorite parenting podcasts?
The Happiness Lab—not specifically parenting but a happy mama helps a happy life.

Photos via @jennabhager