Jenna Bush Hager Reveals the Surprising Dish Her Family Enjoys Every Christmas Eve
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Jenna Bush Hager, known for her role as the host of “Jenna & Friends,” shared an exclusive insight into her family’s Christmas traditions. The 43-year-old, who hails from Texas, opened up about a unique dish that has become a staple in their festive celebrations. In a recent interview with PEOPLE at the launch of the new cookbook, ‘Today Loves Food,’ Jenna revealed a beloved tradition passed down from her Texan roots.


Growing up in the Lone Star State, Jenna’s father, George W. Bush, served as the governor before becoming the President of the United States. Jenna reminisced about their Christmas Eve tradition of preparing enchiladas and tamales. She explained that enjoying Tex-Mex cuisine on this special night is a common practice among many Texans, adding that having tamales on the menu adds an extra layer of excitement to the festivities.
Jenna’s husband, Henry Hager, fully embraced the family tradition when they celebrated their first Christmas Eve together over 20 years ago. He was pleasantly surprised by the Tex-Mex feast, particularly by the presence of guacamole, which Jenna recalls as a highlight of their early days as a couple. The duo now share this tradition with their three children – Mila, Poppy, and Hal.
While Jenna admitted to taking the lead in the kitchen, she fondly shared a favourite memory of dining out with her mother, Laura. She recounted special moments spent at Mi Cocina indulging in queso and enjoying hot dogs at the baseball stadium on Friday nights. These memories have become cherished reminders of family togetherness and culinary delights for Jenna.
Despite joking about her and her husband’s limited culinary skills, Jenna emphasised their love for dining out. Reflecting on her mother’s inclusion in the cookbook with her “Cowboy Cookie” recipe, Jenna expressed her fondness for meals that bring loved ones together, whether prepared at home or enjoyed at a favourite restaurant.
Inspired by their love for cooking segments, the ‘Today Loves Food’ cookbook features recipes from the show’s anchors, including contributions from renowned chefs like Ina Garten. The book showcases a variety of dishes, each capturing the essence of America’s favourite kitchen. With recipes for every palate, from the anchors themselves and their family members, the cookbook offers a diverse culinary experience for readers to enjoy.
As Jenna Bush Hager continues to preserve cherished family traditions through food, she embodies the spirit of sharing meals as a way to create lasting memories. From festive Tex-Mex feasts to dining out at beloved restaurants, Jenna’s story resonates with the joy of coming together over a shared meal. As readers explore the recipes in ‘Today Loves Food,’ they are invited to experience a taste of the warmth and connection that food can bring to any gathering.
In a world where culinary traditions often hold deep significance, Jenna Bush Hager’s revelation about her family’s Christmas Eve dish serves as a reminder of the power of food to unite and create lasting bonds. With each recipe shared and savoured, the legacy of family traditions continues to thrive, enriching lives with the warmth of shared meals and treasured memories.
