Jenna Bush Hager, the beloved co-host of *Today*, has always been known for her warm and inviting personality, as well as her deep ties to family traditions.
Recently, she opened up about one of her most cherished Christmas Eve dinner traditions, which has sparked some light-hearted confusion from her husband, Henry Hager.
Despite being married for years, Jenna’s tradition of celebrating Christmas Eve with a very specific meal left Henry somewhat perplexed,
even though he’s always been supportive of her unique family practices.
The tradition has been a staple of Jenna’s holiday celebrations for as long as she can remember, and it’s clear that she cherishes the annual gathering with her loved ones.
Each year, Jenna and her family come together on Christmas Eve to share a meal that’s not your typical holiday fare.
While most families indulge in a lavish dinner of turkey, ham, or prime rib, Jenna’s family has a much simpler and perhaps unexpected approach to the meal. She revealed that they traditionally enjoy something far less elaborate and decidedly unique—tacos! Yes, tacos are the star of the Bush Hager family’s Christmas Eve spread, and this has become one of the most anticipated aspects of their celebration. From chicken to beef to vegetarian options, the meal is a true feast, but it’s the sheer contrast to the more traditional holiday meals that makes it stand out. The fact that they enjoy tacos instead of the expected Christmas dinner choices is a testament to the Hager family’s commitment to creating their own festive traditions that bring them joy and togetherness, no matter how unconventional they may seem.
As Jenna shared the details of this holiday tradition with her *Today* audience, she admitted that Henry, who is a bit more accustomed to the typical holiday feast, was initially thrown off by the idea. In a candid conversation, she revealed that when they first married, Henry was a bit confused by the tradition. Having grown up with the more conventional Christmas dinners, he wasn’t sure what to make of this taco-centric celebration. At first, he found it difficult to reconcile the notion of tacos being served at such an important family event. His surprise was understandable, given that the holiday season is often seen as the time to indulge in grand, formal meals that are more aligned with tradition.
However, over time, Henry has come to embrace the special significance of the taco dinner, understanding that for Jenna, this was about more than just the food. It was about the joy of coming together with family, creating memories, and honoring the unique way her family had always celebrated the holiday. The tacos, it turns out, were more symbolic of love, warmth, and shared experiences than they were about following a set holiday recipe. For Jenna, the tacos have always represented a way to connect with her family’s roots and reflect on the more laid-back, relaxed side of Christmas. It’s a meal that encourages togetherness without the stress of preparing an elaborate holiday feast, and it perfectly aligns with the Hager family’s values of enjoying time with loved ones and keeping things simple.
As time has gone on, Henry has slowly but surely warmed to the idea. In fact, he now participates eagerly in the tradition, joining in the laughter and merriment that accompany the taco feast. What once seemed like a strange anomaly has now become an integral part of his own holiday experience. The Hager family has fully embraced this new tradition, making it a special part of their annual celebrations. While the tradition may still raise an eyebrow for some, Jenna and Henry have learned to appreciate how it sets the stage for a joyful Christmas celebration that’s filled with love and connection.
Jenna’s willingness to share this tradition with the world speaks to her genuine nature and the importance she places on family. It’s clear that the taco dinner on Christmas Eve isn’t just about the food—it’s about the spirit of the holiday season, about creating memories that last a lifetime, and about holding onto the traditions that bring happiness, even if they don’t fit the typical mold of what a holiday celebration should look like. And while it might seem odd to some, it’s a tradition that has proven to be one of her family’s most cherished, and one that her children will likely continue in the future.
In fact, Jenna even shared that her own children have taken to the tradition, showing that it has evolved into a beloved custom that will likely continue to span generations. Over time, the meal has become less about the tacos themselves and more about the memories created while enjoying them together. As the Hager family gathers around the table, the tacos serve as a reminder that the holiday season isn’t just about extravagant meals or following societal expectations—it’s about connecting with the people who matter most and creating traditions that make everyone feel loved and valued.
In the end, what started as a confusing and unexpected Christmas Eve tradition for Henry Hager has transformed into a beloved family ritual. It just goes to show that the holidays don’t have to follow any set formula to be meaningful. Sometimes, it’s the unexpected traditions, the quirky ones that make us smile, that create the most lasting memories. And for Jenna Bush Hager and her family, their taco-filled Christmas Eve dinner is a perfect example of how a little bit of fun and a lot of love can make the holiday season even more special.
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