It’s never too early to spread some holiday cheer, and Hoda Kotb's eldest daughter, Haley, proved just that by surprising Jenna Bush Hager with an early Christmas gift backstage on Today. The moment was filled with warmth, laughter, and a sweet reminder of the magic of giving. Here's the heartwarming story behind the surprise.
A Surprise That Stole Jenna's Heart
On a crisp Monday morning in late October, Jenna Bush Hager, 42, walked into her dressing room to find a little wrapped present waiting for her. "I thought, 'Wait a second... Is it Christmas already? Did we skip Halloween and Thanksgiving?'" Jenna joked during the segment, sparking laughter from her co-hosts and viewers alike. The former first daughter shared the story with her Today family, revealing the thoughtful gesture from Hoda’s daughter, Haley.
The Thoughtful Gift and Its Meaning
As the cameras rolled, Hoda Kotb, 60, explained the backstory behind the gift. "Haley found this ornament at Value Drugs," Hoda began, her voice filled with pride. "They had all these ornaments with names on them, and Haley spotted one that spelled her name perfectly. But here's the kicker—she didn’t stop there. She picked up an ornament that said 'Little Sister' for her sister Hope, and another one that said 'World’s Best Mom.' But then, she saw something special—an ornament with Jenna's name on it."
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Hoda went on to explain that Haley had a clear mission: to honor her mom’s Today co-star with a personalized gift. "I told them they could each pick three ornaments," Hoda continued. "When I unpacked the bag, I was expecting the 'World’s Best Mom' and the 'Little Sister,' but what came out? Haley, Little Sister, and Jenna!"
A Laugh-Out-Loud Moment
Hoda couldn’t help but chuckle as she recounted the story. "Haley left the 'World’s Best Mom' on the rack so she could buy a Jenna," she said, causing everyone in the studio to burst into laughter. Jenna, visibly touched, speculated that Haley might have been saving the 'World’s Best Mom' ornament for Mother’s Day. "It’s such a sweet gesture," Jenna said, holding up the adorable penguin ornament wearing a winter hat. "Haley even took the initiative to find the wrapping paper and wrap the gift herself!"
A Name That Stands Out
Jenna shared her personal connection to the gift, explaining how meaningful it was to her. "You know, Hoda, I don’t think Haley realizes what this really means to me," Jenna said, her voice tinged with emotion. "Back in the day, the name Jenna wasn’t exactly common. I’d go to the airport and see all these magnets with names like Barbara, but never Jenna. It’s nice to see my name on something, especially in such a thoughtful way." Jenna, who shares three kids—Mila, Poppy, and Hal—with her husband Henry Hager, said that Haley "knew" how much she'd appreciate the gesture. "She nailed it," Jenna added, her smile beaming throughout the segment.
A New Holiday Tradition
This year marks a special milestone for Hoda and her family as they celebrate Christmas together in their new suburban home just outside of New York City. "We’re all so excited to spend the holidays together," Hoda shared. "It’s going to be a new tradition, and I think we’re all looking forward to spreading some Christmas joy." With moments like these, it’s clear that the Kotb family is embracing the season of giving in the best way possible.
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