Jimmy Kimmel and his wife Molly McNearney shared their thoughts about a popular holiday tradition that they hope their children will soon outgrow. The couple, who are parents to Jane, 10, and Billy, 7, expressed their feelings during an exclusive interview with PEOPLE at the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Gala in October.
Kimmel and McNearney revealed that they are not fans of the Elf on the Shelf tradition. This activity involves placing a toy elf in various locations around the house each night during the Christmas season. The idea is that the elf watches over the children and reports back to Santa Claus. However, for Kimmel and McNearney, this tradition has become more of a burden than a joy.
Burdensome Tradition
“We were hoping that they outgrew Elf on the Shelf,” McNearney said. “We’re hoping that they’re done with that. We pray.” Jimmy Kimmel added humorously, “We’re lucky if we remember to move it.” This admission highlights the stress many parents feel during the holiday season as they try to keep up with traditions that can be demanding.
When asked how they cope when they forget to move the elf, McNearney jokingly responded, “Then he has Covid.” This was a reference to a time during the pandemic when they explained their failure to move the elf by claiming it was sick. Their light-hearted approach underscores how parents often find creative solutions to maintain the magic of Christmas for their children.
Creative Alternatives
Despite their struggles with Elf on the Shelf, Jimmy Kimmel and McNearney maintain other holiday traditions that bring joy to their family. One unique custom they have is making a birthday cake for Jesus. “We make Jesus a birthday cake with the kids, and we sing Happy Birthday to Jesus,” McNearney shared. This tradition reflects their desire to instill values and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas with their children.
The couple also discussed how they balance work and family life while co-producing Jimmy Kimmel Live!. McNearney serves as co-head writer and executive producer of the show. Their professional relationship adds another layer of complexity to their family dynamics. “We worked together for eight years before dating,” she explained, emphasizing their ability to compartmentalize work from home life.
Community Involvement
On top of managing their family traditions, Kimmel and McNearney are also dedicated to giving back to the community. Recently, they participated in St. Joseph Center’s annual winter wonderland event in Downtown Los Angeles. At this event, they helped spread holiday cheer by bringing gifts for children and decorating trees.
Kimmel expressed his gratitude for being able to support such initiatives: “We’ve been meeting a lot of families; we brought gifts for the kids.” Their involvement in this event shows how committed they are to making a positive impact during the holiday season.
St. Joseph Center focuses on providing housing and mental health services for families in need. The organization has successfully transitioned many families into permanent housing, making a significant difference in their lives. During this event, Kimmel and McNearney were honored with street signs named after them, recognizing their contributions.
Family Health Journey
While Kimmel and McNearney enjoy festive traditions and community work, they have also faced serious challenges as parents. Their son Billy was born with a congenital heart defect and has undergone multiple surgeries. In July 2024, Jimmy Kimmel shared an update on Instagram about Billy’s third open-heart surgery. He expressed gratitude towards the medical staff at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles for their care.
“Thank you to my wife Molly for being stronger than is reasonable for any Mom to be,” Jimmy Kimmel wrote in his post about Billy’s health journey. This heartfelt message highlights not only their commitment as parents but also their resilience through difficult times.
Jimmy Kimmel and Molly McNearney navigate the complexities of parenthood while balancing work commitments and community involvement. Their hope for their children to outgrow certain holiday traditions like Elf on the Shelf reflects a relatable sentiment among many parents today. As they continue to create meaningful memories during Christmas, they also focus on giving back and supporting those in need within their community.
