For millions of families, it’s not really Christmas until Jovie (played by the incomparable Zooey Deschanel) reluctantly joins Will Ferrell’s Buddy in singing “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” in “Elf.” Since 2003, Deschanel has been an unofficial ambassador of holiday cheer, bringing her quirky charm to what’s become a modern Christmas classic. These days, she’s not just spreading Christmas magic on screen–she’s creating it at home with her own two children, Elsie (8) and Charlie (6).
Let’s be honest: the holidays can feel like a marathon for moms. Between hunting down the must-have toys, coordinating family photos (for cards you then have to make, order and send), and trying to find a party outfit that doesn’t involve leggings, December can get overwhelming fast. That’s why when Deschanel sat down with Motherly to talk holiday prep, we were all ears for any tips to make the season a little more manageable and a lot more stylish. After all, this is a woman who knows how to bring both whimsy and practicality to the holiday season–she may have helped an elf find his way in New York City, but now she’s helping real moms find their way through the holiday chaos.
Where once she might have been focused on perfecting her holiday party look (though she still has some game-changing tips for that), now she’s also thinking about creating memories, managing expectations, and finding gifts that bring real value to everyday life.
The tights that actually last
First up: the holy grail of holiday dressing. If you’ve ever found yourself in a pre-party panic over yet another run in your tights, I couldn’t help but ask Deschanel–known for her vintage-inspired style–for any game-changing tips. And she more than came through. Her suggestion? Think like a dancer.
“Ballet Beautiful makes the most incredible black opaque tights,” she tells me with enthusiasm. “I literally have had them for years, and they never run.” The magic lies in their dance-grade construction—they stretch in all directions and have a back seam for the perfect fit. And for those holiday parties that call for something a little more festive? “Capezio makes amazing fishnets because they’re made for dance,” Deschanel adds. Mom tip: order them now before the holiday rush hits.
Bags that work as hard as you do
When it comes to gifting (or picking out something for yourself–no judgment here), Deschanel believes in practical luxury. Her top pick? A classic leather backpack from Vera Bradley. “This is actually something I love and love to give for gifts,” she says, showing off a sleek version that’s both fresh and totally timeless. “They’re really durable. Being a mom, I always am carrying more stuff than I want to be carrying.” Sound familiar? “It’s easier just to put it on my back, but if it’s a nice, elegant backpack, it makes it that much better.”
Organization: The gift every mom needs
But what about the lengthy list of teachers, caregivers, and most-liked co-workers? We always struggle with finding useful, affordable gifts to show our appreciation for them around the holidays. Deschanel’s suggestion? Streamline their stuff with some cute organizational accessories.
“Vera Bradley has great little pouches and things for organizing your bag,” Deschanel notes. As any mom knows, the ability to actually find what you’re looking for in your bag (instead of pulling out three half-eaten granola bars and a random sock) is priceless. These pouches come in a variety of fabrics and patterns and make perfect stocking stuffers or gifts for the mom who thinks she doesn’t need anything.
For holiday parties when you want to feel like you’re out there to kick butt and take names, Deschanel points to some of her top picks from Vera Bradley. The sophisticated green velvet Astoria Shoulder Bag, with its dainty chain strap is quintessential holiday chic. “It’s elegant for evening,” she says, and we can confirm it’s big enough to still fit a few emergency wipes and snacks. (Because let’s be real–mom life doesn’t stop for party season.) The bold Taber Dumpling Bag, in the most stunning metallic violet leather is a party in and of itself. And for something different altogether, there’s the red leather Heritage Bear Crossbody. The playful design fits just the essentials and says the only thing you’ve got on the agenda is a fun time.
Mindful gifting for meaningful moments
In an age of Amazon Prime and next-day delivery, it’s easy to get caught up in the “more is more” mentality of holiday shopping. But Deschanel’s approach is refreshingly mindful, especially for those of us trying to teach our kids about meaning over materialism. Rather than getting swept up in the season’s excess, she focuses on thoughtful, practical gifts that bring real value. “It’s better to think about what you really want and get one or two really meaningful things,” she advises, rather than “a million things they may or may not want.”
From tights that can survive a toddler music class to bags that make you feel like a person beyond “mom,” Deschanel’s holiday picks prove that the best gifts are the ones that make everyday life a little more elegant and a lot more manageable. Whether you’re shopping for the mom who has everything, or just trying to make your own holiday season run a bit more smoothly, these mom-tested, celebrity-approved selections might just be the secret to surviving the season in style.
And remember, if all else fails, there’s always next year. But at least your tights won’t have runs in them.
