Hoda Kotb, co-anchor of *Today*, recently opened up about how she’s spending the Christmas holidays this year, revealing a heartfelt and unexpected twist. 

For many people, the holidays are a time of togetherness with family and close loved ones, and Kotb is no exception. 

However, in a refreshing and mature turn, she shared that she would be spending this Christmas with her ex-fiance, Joel Schiffman. 

The two, who were engaged for several years and share two daughters, Haley and Hope, have remained on amicable terms since their separation in early 2022. 

In an interview, Kotb explained that despite their breakup, they continue to have a strong, supportive relationship for the sake of their children and their shared history. 

“We get together,” she said, with a warm smile, acknowledging that their bond, while no longer romantic, is grounded in respect, friendship, and co-parenting.

For Kotb, the holidays are about more than just family dynamics and traditional celebrations; they are a time for growth, understanding, and maintaining the connections that matter most. Her openness about spending Christmas with Schiffman highlights the evolving nature of family relationships, especially in a modern world where the traditional family structure is often fluid. Kotb emphasized that the well-being of their daughters is her top priority, and by continuing to spend time together as a family unit, they are showing them the importance of love, respect, and togetherness, no matter the circumstances. “We are a family, and that’s what matters most,” Kotb shared, speaking with warmth and clarity about how they are navigating this new chapter in their lives. 

Despite their breakup, Kotb and Schiffman have been able to maintain a strong and supportive relationship. The two have always placed a high value on their roles as parents and the responsibility of raising their children in a loving, supportive environment. Kotb, known for her optimistic and kind-hearted nature, explained that co-parenting with Schiffman has been a smooth process, largely because both of them share the same values when it comes to their daughters’ upbringing. They continue to collaborate in every aspect of their daughters’ lives, from attending school events to spending time together as a family, ensuring that their girls feel loved and secure. “Joel and I are a team when it comes to them,” Kotb said, expressing how proud she is of their ability to co-exist as friends and co-parents.

The holiday season, which for many can be a time of family reflection and bonding, is also an opportunity for Kotb to model healthy relationships for her children. By spending Christmas with Schiffman, Kotb is demonstrating the importance of maintaining positive relationships with the people you care about, regardless of the circumstances. For her, this holiday tradition has become about creating new memories and continuing the rituals they have established over the years, all while ensuring that her daughters feel the love and support of both their parents. In doing so, Kotb is showing her children that love can take on many forms, and that sometimes, the most meaningful relationships are those built on mutual respect and understanding, rather than the traditional idea of romance.

Kotb’s relationship with Schiffman was once one of the most publicized in the media, particularly when they announced their engagement in 2019. Fans of the *Today* show were thrilled when the couple became engaged after years of dating and had two daughters through adoption. However, in early 2022, the couple announced their decision to separate, with Kotb noting that it had been a difficult but amicable decision. They both acknowledged that their split was a result of differing life goals, but they emphasized their commitment to co-parenting their children and continuing to provide a supportive environment for them. The fact that Kotb has remained so open and transparent about the situation is a testament to her belief in honesty and communication, both with her fans and in her personal life.

Spending Christmas together with Schiffman is not just a gesture for Kotb; it is a reflection of her values and the kind of family she wants to cultivate for her daughters. While many families may find it challenging to navigate the holidays with ex-partners, Kotb and Schiffman have chosen to take the high road and make their shared experiences meaningful for the sake of their family. The decision to spend Christmas together as a family, despite no longer being romantically involved, shows that they are prioritizing the happiness and well-being of their daughters above all else.

As for Kotb, this holiday season is an opportunity to celebrate the many different facets of her life — from her role as a mother to her work as a journalist and TV personality. Spending time with Schiffman is just one of the ways she is creating new memories, but it also underscores her belief in the importance of connection, even in unexpected forms. Kotb’s journey to this point has been filled with challenges, but her ability to embrace change and adapt to new circumstances has allowed her to cultivate meaningful relationships with the people who matter most in her life. 

Overall, Kotb’s decision to spend Christmas with Joel Schiffman is an inspiring example of how relationships can evolve over time. It’s not always about the traditional structures or labels we place on people in our lives; sometimes, it’s about embracing the love and respect we have for one another, regardless of the past. For Hoda Kotb, Christmas this year is about celebrating the true meaning of family — one that includes love, respect, and the shared memories that will continue to shape their future together.

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