The holiday season is a time for families to come together, create new traditions, and share in the joy of the season. For “TODAY” co-anchor Hoda Kotb, Christmas 2024 was a beautiful example of this, offering a heartwarming glimpse into her family’s celebrations.
Through social media posts, Hoda shared intimate moments from her holiday, showcasing how she and her ex-fiancé, Joel Schiffman, beautifully co-parent and celebrate together with their two daughters, Haley and Hope.
Hoda, known for her warm and sunny personality both on and off-screen, chose to spend Christmas in her new suburban home, a peaceful retreat from the city. The house was transformed into a festive haven, with twinkling lights and shimmering decorations creating a cozy atmosphere.
In a delightful Instagram post, Hoda and her family, including Joel, sported matching red-and-white Rudolph-themed pajamas. This set a relaxed and joyful tone for the day, prioritizing comfort and family time over formality.
Haley and Hope: The Stars of Christmas Morning
As with many families, the children brought an extra dose of magic to Christmas morning.
Hoda’s daughters, 7-year-old Haley Joy and 5-year-old Hope Catherine, were clearly thrilled by the festivities. One sweet photo captured Haley giving her mom a kiss on the cheek in front of the Christmas tree, while Hope beamed at the camera, captivated by the lights and presents.
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Hoda’s simple caption, “Merry Christmas🎄🎄,” perfectly captured the pure joy of the moment.
Another post offered a wider view of the family gathering, revealing that Hoda’s mother and sister also joined the celebration, making it a truly multi-generational family affair. A short video clip showed everyone gathered comfortably on the couch, enjoying the holiday spirit.
Notably, Joel Schiffman, Hoda’s ex-fiancé and the father of her children, was also present, demonstrating their commitment to celebrating important milestones together despite their romantic separation.
Hoda Kotb and Joel Schiffman: A Relationship Timeline
Hoda and Joel’s story began in 2013, and they got engaged in 2019.
They built a family together through adoption, welcoming Haley and Hope into their lives—a journey Hoda has publicly acknowledged and thanked Joel for encouraging. However, in 2022, they announced their decision to end their romantic relationship.
Since then, their focus has been on successful co-parenting, prioritizing their daughters’ well-being and ensuring they feel loved and supported by both parents, especially during significant events like birthdays, vacations, and Christmas. This Christmas gathering is a powerful example of their commitment to this shared goal.
Social media users have praised their approach, with many commenting on the positive example they set for other co-parenting families.
The Christmas morning excitement of opening presents was evident in the photos Hoda shared, with a mountain of gifts surrounding the family. However, what truly stood out was their decision to stay in their matching Rudolph pajamas throughout the entire day.
Later in the afternoon, Hoda shared another update, showing the family still in their PJs, relaxing and watching football. This emphasized the relaxed and joyful atmosphere of their celebration, prioritizing genuine connection over any need for formality.
Even their Christmas dinner was a casual and comfortable affair, with the family still sporting their pajamas. Hoda mentioned that Joel had prepared the meal, further highlighting their continued teamwork and shared responsibility in raising their daughters. This detail resonated with fans, who appreciated the authentic and down-to-earth approach to their holiday celebration.
Hoda has openly discussed the concept of a “new normal” since her separation from Joel. This involves navigating co-parenting and creating a loving and stable environment for Haley and Hope across two households while still coming together for important family moments. Their Christmas celebration clearly demonstrates that this “new normal” can be filled with love, joy, and shared experiences.
Hoda has also expressed her gratitude for Joel’s support in her adoption journey, acknowledging his integral role in her becoming a mother. This mutual respect and appreciation are evident in the images shared from their Christmas celebration.
Hoda and Joel’s Christmas celebration offers a heartwarming and valuable lesson for other families navigating co-parenting, particularly during the often emotionally charged holiday season. It demonstrates that with open communication, mutual respect, and a focus on the children’s well-being, ex-partners can successfully share special moments and create positive memories for their kids.
From the matching pajamas to the relaxed atmosphere and shared meals, Hoda’s Christmas photos conveyed a powerful message of love, unity, and simple joy. It’s a reminder that the most cherished holiday memories often come from the simplest moments: being together, sharing laughter, and creating a warm and loving environment for children. Hoda’s “Merry merry!” captures the essence of a truly joyful and heartwarming Christmas.
