Oliver Hudson Shares His Family’s Festive Christmas Roles, Including Kate Hudson as the Ultimate “Miss Holiday Spirit”

Dec 23, 2025 by apost team

For actor Oliver Hudson, the Christmas season has always been a time of joyful collaboration within his famous family. In an interview, Hudson shared that each member of the Hudson–Hawn–Russell clan brings something unique to their holiday celebrations — turning every Christmas into a beloved family affair filled with tradition, playfulness, and togetherness.

The Hudson family’s traditions extend through multiple generations — including Goldie Hawn’s partner, Kurt Russell, whom Oliver considers a major holiday influence. Russell’s imaginative approach to Christmas shaped many of the family's rituals that they still cherish today.

Oliver shared that Russel — whom he lovingly calls “Pa” — is responsible for creating some of the family's most magical Christmas memories. Russell, who has been in a long-term partnership with Hawn since 1983, brought traditions from his own childhood and family experiences. “It is a tradition that was created by Kurt when he came into our lives,” Oliver explained.

One of Oliver’s earliest Christmas memories with Russell took place in Colorado, where Russell was living before the family acquired their well-known ranch. Oliver recalled waking up one snowy morning to Russel’s excited call: “Look, you guys.”

Outside, the children discovered imaginative evidence of Santa’s visit — sled tracks on the roof, a bell from Blitzen’s collar, and a gift that had become stuck in the chimney. The scene felt to Oliver like a moment straight out of a Christmas storybook. “It was just so magical,” he said, adding that the magic has been “passed down from generation to generation.”

The family has kept these traditions alive, creating unforgettable moments for their children and grandchildren. “Every year, it’s big,” Oliver said. On Christmas Eve, a family member dresses as Santa and appears outside the window, bells ringing and snow crunching underfoot. “The kids are crying like, ‘Oh my God, Santa's here. We're not asleep. He's going to leave.’ And we go upstairs. And this was me a hundred years ago, and then generationally it's being passed down.”

While speaking to PEOPLE, Oliver also explained that the festive mood usually begins with his mother, Hawn, who transforms the home each year with decorations and seasonal scents. “Mom of course gets the house incredible, garlands everywhere and smells amazing,” he said, painting a picture of the warm, inviting holiday atmosphere she creates.

From there, the family joins in baking cookies, crafting ornaments, and decorating the Christmas tree. Hudson revealed that he and his brother, Wyatt Russell, take on an important task each Christmas Eve: placing lights and ornaments high on the tree. “We decorate the tree on Christmas Eve, and that's usually myself and Wyatt on a ladder, putting up the lights,” he shared.

One family member in particular has earned a holiday-themed title of her own. Kate Hudson, Oliver’s sister, is affectionately known as “Miss Holiday Spirit.” According to Oliver, she loves to create matching onesies, pajamas, hats, and festive accessories for the whole family. “She brings all of us together through these gifts that are all unique, but yet all alike so we're one unit,” he said, emphasizing Kate’s role in strengthening family unity during the holidays.

The Hudson–Hawn–Russell holiday celebrations remain rooted in family connection — from Goldie’s beautifully decorated home to Kate’s personalized holiday outfits to Kurt’s legendary Christmas storytelling and surprise appearances.

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Family traditions help holidays feel magical year after year. What tradition does your family cherish the most? Pass this on to someone who loves heartfelt holiday memories.