Christmas 2025 | Lauren Gottlieb: Spending time at the orphanage made it special

FOr actor-dancer Lauren Gottlieb, the true up spirit up of christmastime has remained invariable despite living and workings across countries. “Christmas has always been a deeply magical time for me. It instantly connects me to the little girl who woke up on Christmas mornings believing in pure magic,” she shares.” Today, watching her nephews experience that same joy feels just as special. “No matter where I am in the world, the essence of Christmas stays the same, it’s that feeling of warmth, wonder, and magic that never really leaves.”Among her cherished traditions, one ritual stands out; getting a real Christmas tree. “Going to pick one out with my family, feeling the cold air, and taking our time to find ‘the one’ is what truly makes the season begin,” she says. “The moment it’s home and the house smells like fresh pine, and our dogs curl up underneath it, it instantly puts you into the Christmas spirit.” Lauren recalls a memorable Christmas when her family met Tobias Jones’ family for the first time. “They flew all the way to the U.S., and it was really special to have those two worlds come together,” she says. The experience of celebrating with a blended family left a lasting impression. “Seeing everyone in one space, sharing different customs, traditions, stories, and laughter, felt incredibly meaningful.”In a profession that demands constant movement and discipline, Christmas offers Lauren a rare pause. This year, she celebrated with a group of girls from an orphanage in Mumbai. “Buying gifts for them, listening to their ambitions, and being part of their stories was such a blissful feeling,” she shares. “We danced, sang Christmas carols, and spent so much time together – it was such a wholesome experience,” adds Lauren.While this year has been extremely special for Lauren as she got married in June, she asserts how some childhood traditions have evolved, but celebrating with family still remains constant. “Right now, Christmas looks very different for me, and that’s totally okay. I’m flying to Scotland with my husband TJ to meet his parents. We’re going to visit his family, and I’m so excited.” For Lauren, a true Christmas needs the cold: “Maybe some snow or rain, being bundled up, lighting a few fires, and being surrounded by nature. I couldn’t imagine a better way to celebrate our first Christmas together.”Asked what a perfect Christmas day looks like for her, Lauren shares that it starts with waking up to a big, beautiful tree surrounded by presents. “Christmas movies playing in the background, constant holiday music, and an endless supply of hot cocoa, cookies, and Christmas cakes. Add in turkey, mashed potatoes – the works – until my belly is completely full, and then spending the rest of the day playing games. I absolutely love games on Christmas.”